Page 81 of Playing Mr. Perfect

“I know. I thought I’d see if you were free for lunch.”

A voice in my head says, You should have texted, but my heart silences it, because I’m really glad to see him. Even if I’m not able to join him for lunch, I like that he thought of me. “I’m sorry, but I’m not. I have a software training session, and we’re working through lunch.”

“It was worth a shot. I also brought a little something for your team.” He holds up the shopping bag. “Is it okay if I give it to them?”

They were so happy about the muffins, I felt bad that I hadn’t thought of bringing them myself. It really is the little things.

“Sure, but—” The phone rings. “Just a second.”

I answer the phone, and as I send the call to Ravi’s voicemail, Chris walks by and sees Clay. His face lights up. “Clay, good to see you again.”

“You, too, Chris. I brought something for you.”

“Excuse me, you guys. Chris, this is Jeanette Woods from the accounting software company. We’re about to go into training. I’m waiting to hear from MedForce about the proposal we submitted last month, and Dr. Bowry is coming in this afternoon for a meeting with me and Ravi. Can you keep an ear open for the phones in case he’s running late or needs to cancel?”

“Absolutely,” Chris says.

I turn my attention to Clay. “Thank you for the offer for lunch. I’ll text you after work.”

“Sounds good,” he says with a nod.

I turn back to Jeanette. “Sorry about that. Why don’t we go back to my office and get started.”

As we head down the hall, I hear Chris and Clay chatting up a storm and wish I could be chatting with Clay, too.

Jeanette is patient and methodical, which I appreciate. I take copious notes as we work through the program and somehow make it through a few hours without interruption.

When we finish, I walk her out to the lobby and nearly trip over my own feet at the sight of Clay signing for a UPS package. “Thank you again, Jeanette. I appreciate your help.”

“My pleasure. Feel free to reach out if you have any trouble, or if you need me to come back to train other employees.”

After Jeanette and the UPS man leave, I turn to Clay, keeping my voice low. “What is going on? Why are you accepting our packages?”

“After I gave Chris and Min their gifts, they were showing me some of your projects, and the phone was ringing, so I offered to help.”

My eyes widen. “You’ve been answering the phones?”

“Yes, but don’t worry, Chris showed me how to send calls to the right extensions.”

Oh my gosh. This guy. “But you said you had a busy day. You shouldn’t put off your plans to answer my phones.”

“I’m not. Chris logged me on to the computer so I could watch the game footage from my coach.”

“Game footage?”

“It’s part of my training. The coaches analyze our games, and we watch them, listening to their comments. It helps us see our strengths and weaknesses. But you don’t have time for this right now, babe. Dr. Bowry showed up early. He’s in Ravi’s office, and they’re expecting you.”

“He’s here?”

“Yes. He’s a nice guy, too. A big football fan. I think I won you some bonus points. Go do your thing. I’ve got this.”

“Clay, you don’t have to stay. We’re going to be a while.”

“I like helping my girl.”

My girl makes my heart squeeze, and that alternate universe I fell into yesterday is sucking me in at breakneck speed.

He steps closer and slides a hand down my back to my bottom, whispering, “Do you need me to help you take the edge off before you go in there? Five minutes in your office, and you’ll be much more relaxed.”