Page 63 of Dream Chaser

“I love having the company.” Eleanor squeezed my forearm. “I mean it. I know there’s nothing better for a person than their own place, and you’ll have yours soon.”

“Only if I don’t spend everything I earn on the lawyer’s fees. Preston’s hiding to delay everything.” I took a sip of the cool drink—and was instantly transported to Barcelona and my first work trip. “Wait,” I said, “this is cava.”

Eleanor tapped her nails on the flute, grinning like she knew something I didn’t. “The boss told me to give it to you.”

The boss? “Is he…?” I hated how hopeful I sounded.

She stepped aside, revealing the interior of the restaurant. Alejandro was talking to Miles at the bar, nodding as he ran his fingers over his neatly groomed beard. Warmth traveled through me in a wave. He came.

“He’s a good one,” Eleanor said, giving me a knowing look. “And believe me, I never say that lightly. But he is.”

My face flamed. Shit. She was totally onto me. Could anything be more awkward than this?

“He’s a good boss,” I agreed.

She shook her head. “A good man, then a good boss.”

“We only have a work relationship, Eleanor.” The last thing I wanted was my colleague wrongly assuming something was going on between us.

“I’m just saying he cares,” Eleanor countered. “And there aren’t enough men who do, so if one day you meet someone like him, they’re worth the risk.”

She was right, but he didn’t care about me in that way, and unfortunately, I was still legally married.

“This job is everything I have.” I clutched my flute tighter. “My personal life is a mess. I can’t let my professional life be a disaster, too.”

As if reading my mind, Alejandro turned. His gaze latched onto mine and held, flooding me with even more heat. There was no denying I was attracted to him like I had never been attracted to a man in my life, but it didn’t mean anything. Any woman with eyes would stare, and I’d never met anyone like him before.

Competent. Mature. Assertive, but kind at the same time.

“I know nothing’s going on,” Eleanor said. “Yet.”

The objection died on my tongue when Alejandro headed for the sliding door, his gaze never leaving mine, as though he feared I’d vanish if he looked away.

Grinning, Eleanor slipped off the deck as he stepped onto it, filling the air with the scent of his cologne.

“Happy birthday, Nova,” he said. “I apologize for not making it to dinner. Lots of commitments today.”

“Thank you.” My voice came out weaker and breezier than I intended. I cleared my throat. “Hope the meetings went well.”

“One of them, especially. The NitroFlow deal is ours thanks to you.” He reached into the interior pocket of his charcoal suit jacket and pulled out a check. “Your bonus.” Alejandro handed it to me.

Fingers shaking, I took it. A glance at the amount made me do a double take. Enough money to rent my own place. Enough to start over and build my future.

I blinked away the tears until the numbers came back into focus. “Are you kidding me?” I stared at him in disbelief.

He slowly shook his head. “You brought in a lot of money for the agency. Seems only fair you get your share.”

My contract had a bonus clause—I just didn’t think I’d ever get one.

“I know you’ve got your hands full with Asher,” Alejandro added, “but I’d love to expand your role further. Is that something you’d like? We’ll review your salary on Monday and negotiate a raise.”

I bit my tongue before I could tell him I’d accept anything he offered. “That sounds great.” I carefully folded the check into my wallet. “Thank you.”

Alejandro nodded. “Let’s celebrate.”

CHAPTER NINETEEN

Alejandro