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Erika giggled, the sound like music to my ears despite the circumstances. “It was a while ago. I didn’t realize you were the jealous type.”
“When it comes to you, doll, I’m very jealous,” I admitted, my voice low and serious.
“And possessive,” she noted, her tone thoughtful. “I don’t want to burst your bubble, but I’m my own woman. I don’t like being possessed.”
“I would never clip your wings,” I assured her, squeezing her hand gently. “I love the fire in you.”
Her expression softened, but she looked down at her lap, avoiding my gaze. “That’s the second time you’ve used that word love in reference to me. You’re scaring me.”
I tightened my grip on her hand, trying to convey comfort and sincerity. “I didn’t mean to…”
Before I could finish, our waitress arrived to take our drink orders. I needed something stronger than the champagne I’d been sipping and ordered a vodka tonic.
“I’ll stick to water,” Erika said, her voice steady.
“No alcohol?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.
“I need a clear head when I’m near you,” she replied, a hint of a smile playing on her lips.
“Hmm, I’m not sure if that’s good or bad,” I said, leaning back in my chair as I studied her.
Before she could respond, her phone rang. She glanced at the screen, then excused herself to take the call. I watched as she stepped away, her voice soft and light as she spoke, clearly talking to a man. My chest tightened with anger, and I had to force myself to stay calm. She continued the conversation for a few more minutes, ending the call with a soft laugh that only fueled my frustration.
When she returned to the table, I couldn’t hide the edge in my voice. “Who was that?”
Erika met my gaze, her expression unreadable. “Just business,” she said, but something in her tone made me wonder if that was the whole truth.
As I leaned forward, my voice dropped to a low, almost possessive tone. “Who was that?” The question slipped out, laced with irritation.
Erika’s response was cool and calm. “My assistant.” She took a sip of her water, her gaze steady.
I reached for her hand, gripping it a bit tighter than I intended. “You have a male assistant?” My voice came out harsher than I wanted, the thought gnawing at me.
“Calm yourself,” she replied, her eyes narrowing slightly. “Your face is bright red.”
I ignored her warning, the jealousy biting into me. “Who is he?”
“Not any of your concern,” Erika shot back, pulling her hand from my grasp. She took another sip of water, deliberately wiping the condensation from her glass onto the pristine white tablecloth, a subtle display of her irritation.
I leaned closer, my voice firm. “Any man you’re involved with is my concern.”
Her expression softened into a small smile, but her words remained firm. “He’s harmless, not my type, and my boss’ nephew. I have no interest.”
I searched her eyes, trying to gauge her sincerity. “And who do you have an interest in?”
Erika let the question hang in the air for a moment before offering a playful, “Maybe you.”
“Maybe?” I echoed, a smirk tugging at the corner of my mouth, but she cut through my attempt to lighten the mood.
“Cut the alpha male shit. It’s not appealing,” she said sharply, her gaze holding mine with a no-nonsense challenge.
I eased back in my chair, raising my hands in mock surrender. “I’m sorry. You do something to me.”
“Hit by Cupid’s arrow,” she muttered, almost to herself.
I couldn’t help but grin at her comment. “Something like that. Do you want to get some food?”
Erika’s lips curved into a smile, the tension between us easing. “I’m famished.”
