Evie’s mouth closed and a blush pinked her cheeks. Her teeth captured her bottom lip, and I swore she still wasn’t happy with what I said until a smile finally thawed her features. “It would be an honor to work for you, Mr. Prescott. I do have questions about pay and hours and you know, job responsibilities and all, but assuming those things actually exist, I’m game if you are.”
I fought the urge to fist bump the sky. Game? Hell yes, I’m game! Finished draft, here I come.
“All right, then.” I smiled. “We can talk some more about salary and all that boring shit tomorrow. See if you still want to take me up on the deal once we actually know what I’m offering you.”
Evie shoved her hands in her back pockets as she met my eyes. Her smile was bold, but her eyes were scared. “Well, see,” she said with that indescribable laugh, “I’m trying this new thing where I say ‘yes’ instead of ‘no.’ No matter the terms, at this point, I’m all yours, Boss. I’m basically not allowed to turn you down.”
“You should be careful saying that to strangers, Evie.”
“What? That I’m all theirs?”
“That you’re not allowed to say no. That could get you into more trouble than you’re prepared for.”
Her face blanched.
“But don’t worry. I promise not to take advantage of you.” I shoved my hands in my pockets and grinned. “Too much.”
My phone buzzed and I pulled it out of my pocket to the sound of her laughter.
Jude: I’m sensing a disturbance in the force. Apparently your neighbor’s house is occupado? Doesn’t that put a kink in your plans?
I apologized to Evie for the interruption before replying.
Me: I’m adapting. Beers? Tonight.
A series of gif responses had me laughing and Evie looking curious.
“Apparently I have plans tonight.” I waved the phone. The next thing out of my mouth was going to be an invitation to join us.
Was that wise?
I clamped my jaw shut and the silence dripped with awkwardness.
“Lucky you,” she replied with a light laugh. Hands still in pockets. Rocking back on heels. Her body language said she wouldn’t mind the invitation. Maybe it wouldn’t be a bad idea, after all…
The front door squeaked open and I rejoiced in the interruption.
“Oh, Evie!” sang Madame Namaste. “I hate to interrupt your sexual fantasies about sexy neighbor man…” She pulled up short as her eyes met mine. “Oh. You’re here. Hi.” She lifted a hand as Evie choked and yanked her hands out of her pockets to cover her face.
“Amelia!” she hissed, peeking out from behind her fingers. Color rose in her cheeks and I swore she was praying for the ground to open up and swallow her whole. “I cannot believe you just did that!”
Her friend’s skirt swished over the steps as she descended. “I…uh…was just coming to tell you my brother will be here to pick me up in an hour.”
Evie looked like she was contemplating murder, then glanced at me like she wanted to explain, then dissolved in giggles. “I am so sorry.”
I held out my hands. “And on that note, it’s time for this sexy neighbor man to head on out.” Morgan bounded to his feet and trotted after me while Evie whisper-yelled at her friend.
I couldn’t make out everything they said, but I did hear Amelia say, “It’s not like he can’t tell you think he’s gorgeous!” It wasn’t hard to believe she raised her voice just to be sure I heard. As I crossed into my yard, I started wondering why I hadn’t asked Evie out for drinks with Jude.
She was alone in a new house, in a new town, with her moral support leaving in an hour. That wouldn’t do. Not at all. Telling myself I was taking care of my newest (and only) employee, I shot my sister a text, suggesting she invite my new neighbor out sometime.
That had nothing to do with me liking Evie. It certainly had nothing to do with me worrying about her, all alone in a new place. It most definitely had nothing to do with enjoying being called “sexy neighbor man.”
Obviously, I was doing what any boss would do for a new employee.
Morgan glanced up as I laughed.
“I’m not even fooling you, am I Morginator?”
I was nowhere near fluent in dog, but I was pretty sure the beast agreed I was full of shit.
Chapter Eight
Evie
I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry, but Amelia had no problem choosing between the two. She laughed so hard she had to sit on one of the steps.
I scowled down at her from my place on the porch. “You are so lucky one of us isn’t dead right now.”
“Why would either of us be dead?” she wheezed, doubling down on the giggles. I hadn’t realized I was that funny, but as usual, her good mood was contagious.
“Me? Embarrassment. You? Because I could kill you for mentioning my sexual daydreams about my neighbor…while I was talking to him.” I joined her on the step. “I’m gonna work with that man. If I wasn’t trying out this new fearless thing, I’d have quit on the spot and reclaimed my place on your couch.”
Amelia rolled her eyes. “It’s not like you’re the first person to have a crush on her boss.”
“But I might be the first person to crush on a boss she mildly stalked six years ago and probably doesn’t have the skill she needs for the job he’s hiring her to do.”
Well, hell. I hadn’t meant to bring that up. It would have been better for all of us if that story stayed buried in my memory where it belonged.
Fearless, Evie. Remember what fearless feels like. All that self-doubt? Not working for you. I mentally squared my shoulders and lifted my chin.
“You mildly stalked Alexander Prescott?”
I nodded. “I don’t think he remembers, though. Either that or he’s being very polite about the
