Page 74 of The Snowflake Effect

More flustered than ever, I shrug with an awkward “I’m sort of seeing someone.”

If “sort of” is living together and sharing a bed.

Disappointment clouds his face. “If the ‘sort of’ part of the equation doesn’t pan out, let me know.”

Ben returns to work, and, unable to stop myself, I glance over at Kolton. His face is red, his stance stiff. Hilary’s saying something to him, but he barely looks her way, and the coffee in his hand tilts at a precarious angle. A few drops land on the floor, unnoticed.

Man, he looks pissed. And I don’t blame him. If a woman were leaning into his side and asking him out, I’d go roller derby on her.

Whatever Kolton says to Hilary ends their conversation. He dumps his coffee in a nearby bin and skirts around the Shop-Vac and tools piled on the floor, aiming right for me. My heart pounds a quickening beat, thump thump thumping in my ears.

Then he’s in front of me. His hand lands on my back. He leads me toward what will eventually be the back room, the section currently divided with drywall, and backs me into a dark corner. “I’ve changed my mind. I do care if you tell Hilary about us.”

“Because you want us to wear matching velour sweatsuits?” I joke.

“If Ben knew we were together,” he says, ignoring my babbling, “he’d never pull that shit—touching you in front of me, whispering to you.” He grips my hips, the bruise from last night reminding me how punishing Kolton can be. Delectably punishing. “I don’t like it,” he finishes.

I lean into him. “I know. I’m sorry. He’s harmless, but you’re right. I’ll tell her now.”

With the associate design position dangled in front of me, I’m even more uneasy to share this tidbit with my boss, but I deserve the job, more than Maeve deserves the partnership. I’m working my butt off on this project, and I’d never step on others to rise. But if Hilary learns Kolton and I are dating, her looks of approval may turn into frowns of disdain, my capability and talent put into question.

Kolton tips his head down and kisses me, softly at first, then deeper. So thoroughly my stress dissipates. I want to run my hand up his shirt, over the firm ridges of his abs, through the dusting of hair across his chest.

He nips my lower lip and pulls away. “Don’t worry, Shay. Hilary knows you’re indispensable.”

“I’m sure you’re right.” At least, he better be. Loud voices drift over, a reminder we’re not alone. I smile, suddenly shy. “I forgot to mention, but Hilary said she’s considering me for the permanent position.”

His eyes cloud momentarily, then his body softens. “Of course she is. Your designs kick ass.” He kisses me again, softly, and presses his forehead to mine. “I hate to leave, but I have an appointment.”

“Where?” I tug him closer, dreading losing contact.

“We’ll discuss it on our date tomorrow. Have fun at lunch with the girls.” He squeezes my hips and leaves me to gather myself before I face Hilary and confess that I’m dating the most important client Concept has ever had.

CHAPTER 32

SHAY

Hilary is by the worktable, flipping through papers. I don’t hesitate this time. I march there, not allowing myself to chicken out. Time to face the music.

“Hil—” I start, but her name lodges in my throat. I clear it and try again. “Hilary.”

She looks up. “Yes.”

For the second time today, I dig my nails into my palms to steady myself. She won’t fire me at this stage. She needs me to complete this job, but she might give me notice. That’ll give me at least four or five weeks to find something else. I can live with Kolton until then.

I roll my shoulders back and face Hilary. “We need to talk.”

“Okay.” She wipes a spot of dust from her skirt. “Talk.”

Unable to draw out the torture, I say, “Kolton and I are dating.”

She crosses her arms but says nothing.

“I know how it must look,” I say to fill the ominous silence, “but that’s not why he hired me and the firm. We’ve known each other for a while but have only recently started dating”—if all-night sexathons are considered dating—“and I don’t want my relationship with him to jeopardize my job. It’s too important, and I thought you should know.”

My heart thumps again, this time in my ears.

Moving slowly, she leans against the table. “I suspected as much. The way you two sneak glances at each other, it’s hard to miss. But tell me honestly…will dating him impact your ability to complete this project?”