Page 23 of Miss Typed

He frowned in a way only he could make hot. “How close were you to your degree?”

“A few classes away.” I refused to dwell on it. It was what it was. Someday I’d return to school. “Did you need anything?”

“No. I’m heading out for a meeting. Afterward, I have to take them out to dinner.” He appeared absolutely pained at the idea.

“Client dinner?”

His eyes stopped mid-roll. “It’s a recruiting dinner for two new hires who arrived in town today. A favor for Reid.”

“Sounds like something a guy who doesn’t enjoy chitchat would definitely hate.”

A smile ghosted his lips, before he sighed. “Yeah. You’re correct in your assumption. I most likely won’t be back before you leave. You’re welcome to take off early. Thanks again for the cookies.”

He held up the container I’d brought in earlier today, making me recall yesterday’s stumble. I could practically still feel the way I’d slid down the hard planes of his chest after he’d caught me mid tumble. I’d never been so turned on. Waiting, I’d anticipated his kiss, only to have him step away, seemingly unaffected.

“You’re welcome. And good luck tonight.”

“Thanks. I’ll probably need it.”

Even though I had the green light to leave early, I didn’t. What would be the point in going home to an empty apartment with virtually no food in the fridge and no one to talk to? I’d grown up in such a busy family, then always had a roommate, all while staying active in both school and work, so I was struggling with solitude, especially over the holidays. I had zero motivation to go home to eat dinner alone.

Instead, I spent the time at my desk putting together a spreadsheet of my payments to Donald. Less than forty thousand dollars to go. Getting it into a manageable format gave me an ounce of control over the situation. It gave me hope I’d get out of this hole my brother had put us in.

“Why are you still here?”

Aiden’s voice made me jump. “Oh, um, I—” I was about to make up an excuse but then decided there was no point. “My roommate is gone, and I didn’t feel like going back to an empty apartment. What happened to your dinner?”

He sighed. “The two interns are at a bar. I told them I needed to grab something from my office and would be back later. Frankly, I needed a breather since neither of them ever stop talking. Any chance you’d be interested in joining us?”

His expression was a combination of pained and hopeful. He definitely needed a rescue, and I was never one to turn down a plea for help. “Well, since you make them sound so irresistible, sure. Where?”

My sarcasm garnered a smile. “The steakhouse across the street. You ever been?”

As if I could afford a meal in such a swanky place. “No, I’ve never eaten there. But I’ve heard it’s good.”

“It is.” He stood there expectantly.

“You mean right now? Don’t you need your breather?”

“Thankfully, you’re providing it. If I don’t tell you later, thank you. I owe you.” He’d injected a soft and gentle note into his voice.

My face warmed from his sincere appreciation. “Okay, let me shut down.” I did so quickly, before gathering my purse.

Weird didn’t begin to describe the sensation of walking across the street to the restaurant with him. Although it was perfectly normal for a boss to invite his assistant to a work-related meal, there was an awkward tension between us.

Perhaps he was self-conscious about having come over yesterday to tell me about his leg. Or maybe he simply dreaded having to attend this dinner.

I followed the hostess to the four-top table in the modern restaurant while Aiden fetched the two interns from the bar.

When they approached, I stood up so my boss could make the introductions.

“Gentlemen, this is Chloe. She works with me. Chloe, this is Peter and Sean. They start in commercial security tomorrow.”

It was obvious from Peter’s and Sean’s flushed faces and bright eyes that they’d enjoyed a few cocktails already. They were probably considered handsome, with their clean-cut, all-American looks and dressed in their well-tailored suits, but next to Aiden they dimmed in comparison.

We exchanged warm handshakes, and I murmured my welcome before taking my seat next to my boss.

“How are you finding Dubai so far?” I asked.