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“About whether or not to take the job as your assistant,” I say carefully. He looks a little stunned and, at the same time, annoyed.
“What’s there to think about?”
“Well, what would be my hours, what are your expectations and we haven’t even discussed salary.”
“Your hours would be for as long as I need you. My expectations are that you do a good job. And your salary will start at one-hundred thousand dollars a year including benefits and three weeks of paid vacation.”
I blink, unable to comprehend that many zeroes. He mistakes my silence and instantly ups the offer.
“Okay, one twenty-five.”
“Um…” I’m at a loss. That’s more money that I can even understand, much less ever dream that I would make.
“One-forty.”
“Stop!” I hold up my hand, feeling dizzy.
His green, guarded eyes narrow. “Is there a problem?”
“No, it’s just this is happening really fast and I…I’d like to think it over. Please.”
A muscle flexes in his cheek and he’s about to say something more, but then clamps his jaw tight. “Fine,” he finally grits out, not looking pleased at all. “But I’m not sure what the hell you need to think about.”
He grumbles the last part under his breath and I’m about to reply when his gaze drops, heating up fast. The sheet slipped and I look down to see I’m giving him a pretty good view of the tops of my breasts. A part of me wants to let it go completely and see what he’ll do. Instead, I’m too chicken and I pull it back up.
Vin clears his throat then pushes up off the bed. “I’ll be waiting in the kitchen.”
His tone is cool and my heart breaks a little. I’m not sure what I did and I wish I had someone to talk to because I really need a friend right now.
The drive back to my apartment isn’t much better. It’s clear Vin’s walls are up and they’re damn solid. But if he wanted to get rid of me, why would he ask me to work for him? I don’t think I’ve ever been so confused in my life.
The ride to my place is quiet and I’m so deep in thought. Eventually, Vin pulls the Mercedes up to the curb in front of my building and then turns to face me. I’m already reaching for the door handle, ready to run, when he grabs my arm.
“Hannah…”
My eyes meet his and that blank stare he gave me earlier is now a swirling green storm of emotions. I don’t say anything, just wait for him to continue.
“Last night was amazing. Sorry if I’m acting cool.” He runs his hand down my arm in a soft caress, takes my hand in his and squeezes. “I’m just…anxious about this new position that I’m starting.”
His excuse sounds lame, even to my ears. But, I nod, trying not to let him see how hurt my feelings really are.
“I want you to work for me. I’ll call you tonight, okay?”
“Okay,” I whisper. He releases my hand and I open the door and slip out, more confused than ever. Turning, I watch him drive away.
He didn’t even kiss me goodbye.
My heart hurts as I push the still-broken front door open, walk upstairs and go into my quiet, very lonely and extremely empty apartment. I feel so lost, so confused. Heart heavy, I change out of my dress and carefully hang it in my closet. I slip on a pair of leggings and a t-shirt. Then I pull on a light sweatshirt and my tennis shoes.
Swiping my keys back up, I leave my apartment again and go to ask my mom for advice.
The cemetery is quiet, just a few birds singing above me in the trees when I sit down in front of her grave. I tuck my legs beneath me and run my hand over the cool gravestone. “I miss you, Mom,” I whisper.
Maybe, just maybe, there’s some way she can hear me. I hope so, anyway, because I don’t think I’ve ever been so confused or desperate for advice.
“I met someone,” I say softly. “His name is Vin—Vincentius, actually. What a name, right? He’s Italian and so very handsome. Well, I was in some trouble and he swept in and saved me from some really bad men. He bought me a pretty dress and took me to dinner. No one’s ever treated me so kindly. I could fall so easily for him.” My voice catches. Oh, God. How can I develop feelings for someone so quickly? Is it possible? The ache in my heart tells me it is.
“But, this morning, he suddenly turned cool and now I have no idea what that means or how to handle it. Especially since he wants me to come work for him.”
