Total pages in book: 101
Estimated words: 99012 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 495(@200wpm)___ 396(@250wpm)___ 330(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 99012 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 495(@200wpm)___ 396(@250wpm)___ 330(@300wpm)
“You just said yourself, someone in a position of power shouldn’t be making sexual advances. But I don’t have the power here. You do. Though I’m just going to put it out there—if you get the urge to make sexual advances, they wouldn’t be unwelcome.”
I laughed. “I’m flattered. Really, I am. And to be honest, it’s very tempting. But—”
Christian held up his pointer. “I wasn’t done. I need to address your other point. My contract is up this year. But rumor around the organization is that you’re letting Tom Lauren run the show while you learn the ropes. Is that true?”
“Well, yes…but—”
He shrugged. “I don’t see any problem then.”
“It’s not only the circumstances; it’s also how it would look.”
“I stopped giving a shit about how things look a long time ago. You learn that real quick when your face is splashed all over the newspapers every week and half the time the headline is made up.”
“Even if we remove all of the work issues, I’ve just started dating someone. Julian and I have known each other for a few years.”
“You’ve known him for years and he only recently asked you out? He sounds like an idiot to me.”
I smiled.
Christian sighed. “Okay. I’ll back off. For now. But if you want me to, I’ll still help you with the team stuff that might affect your algorithm and fill you in on what makes people within the organization tick.”
“I’d like that. Thank you.”
He pointed up ahead. “Are you hungry?”
I hesitated, though I was actually starving.
Christian noticed. “It’s not a date. I’m asking you to have a completely platonic meal with me at my favorite burger joint.” He pulled up at a red light and looked over with puppy-dog eyes. “Not that you owe me anything, but the reason I haven’t eaten yet is because I went out of my way to drive to Queens during rush-hour traffic to see Wyatt play.”
I chuckled. “That wasn’t manipulative at all.”
He flashed a crooked smile. “Is that a yes?”
I nodded. “Sure. I’d love to share a platonic burger with you.”
About a half mile down the road, Christian parked, and we walked down the block to an unassuming little eatery. There was a handwritten sign taped to the door: CASH ONLY. I stopped as Christian opened the door.
“Shoot. I don’t think I have any cash on me.”
“You don’t need it. I’d never let my date pay.”
I squinted at him. “I thought this was the platonic sharing of a burger, not a date.”
He put his hand on my back, guiding me inside. “My ego is bruised enough. Just let me pretend.”
CHAPTER 6
* * *
CHRISTIAN
Bella’s phone jumped around, vibrating on the table with Julian flashing on the screen.
I wasn’t being nosy. Her phone was sitting almost in the center of the table, between our plates of burgers. But I was definitely curious about what she was going to do now…
She stared a few heartbeats, and her eyes lifted to meet mine.
I grinned. “Phone call…”
Her cell continued to shimmy around on the table while our eyes stayed locked. Eventually, after three more rings, it stopped.
I tilted my head ever so slightly. “Why didn’t you answer?”
“Because we’re in the middle of eating.”
“Ah.” I nodded. “And Julian wouldn’t be happy to hear you’re sharing a meal with a handsome athlete?”
“First of all, full of yourself much? But I meant it would be rude of me to talk on the phone while we’re in the middle of having dinner.”
“So it’s about manners, then? Julian wouldn’t be upset you were on a date?”
“This isn’t a date.”
“Whatever. It wouldn’t bother him?”
“He and I have only been on one date.”
“How long ago was that?”
“Two weeks, maybe?”
“Why no second yet?”
“I don’t know. Jeez, you’re nosy.”
I smiled. “Interested. Not nosy. Job that has him traveling the last few weeks?”
“He’s the head of artificial intelligence at my old company.” Bella shook her head. “There’s no travel involved in his job.”
I debated how far to push the conversation and decided just a little bit further as I stretched my arms across the top of the booth. “What does he have that I don’t?”
“Julian?”
I nodded.
“Humility, for one.”
I chuckled. “How tall is he?”
“I don’t know. Not quite six foot, I guess.”
“I’m six-three.”
“Does that give you a point on your imaginary scorecard?”
“Definitely.”
“Julian is probably not the tallest or best-looking guy, but he has a lot of great qualities.”
“Like what? Big dick? Because if he gets a point for that, I think it’s only fair that I get to show you mine. I have a size fourteen foot, you know.”
Her lips moved, but she managed to contain her smile. “I’ll keep that in mind in case I ever need to buy you socks. Julian and I have a lot in common, if you must know.”
“Like what?”
“I don’t know. Off the top of my head, we both work in artificial intelligence, love math and technology, and neither of us likes sneezes.”