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He sighed quietly, like it was the last thing he wanted to do, but he pushed his laptop to the side and did as I asked.
“I know it’s a pain, but you’ll be happy when we’re done. Everything will be organized and stored safely, so you never have to worry about it getting into the wrong hands.”
He looked through the paperwork, spending more time on some than others, his eyes narrowing, and then he moved on to the next pile.
I handed him the pad of sticky notes. “How about you write what you want the tab to say, so it’s easy for you to find later?”
He scribbled words I didn’t understand along with the date before he stuck it on each pile. Once he got going, he kept working, becoming more efficient as he went. He even left the table and went to his office to retrieve more.
It turned into a routine, and it started to become automatic.
“What did you think of Ronnie?”
He flipped through the papers, organizing them before he wrote on a sticky page. “Didn’t talk to him.”
“I meant of his driving.”
“No complaints.”
I’d spent some time finding a driver who didn’t even have a parking ticket, someone who chauffeured high-profile clients before. I told Ronnie he always had to drive the speed limit, that there was no rush to get anywhere, and all he had to do was be safe at all times. Looks like he passed Derek’s test.
“Did you get anything done on the commute?”
“I did some paperwork.” He moved on to the next pile.
“You’ll do it again tomorrow?”
He nodded.
That must mean he liked it. Mission accomplished. “How was your day?”
He paused a long time as he examined his paperwork. “Fine.”
“Do you mind if I ask what you’re working on?”
He set the papers into a pile and grabbed another sticky note. “The jet propulsion system. Our last one failed the safety tests, so I’m working on a new engine that is less risky. Whenever I try to make advancements in engineering, the science isn’t always up to par with the changes, so I have to work backward to make everything fit this new idea. It’s frustrating and time-consuming, but that’s just how it is. I’m also working on a couple of other projects with other teams.”
I didn’t understand a word of that, but it was impressive. “I’m sure you’ll get there.”
He shrugged and kept working.
“You said you have an assistant there?”
“In the main office.”
“What does this person do?”
“Ruth takes phone calls, appointments, stuff like that. I’m hardly ever there.”
“Ever where?” I asked in confusion.
“The main office. I’m usually in the lab.”
“So, you mean the corporate office?”
He nodded and kept working.
“Then you don’t have an assistant in your lab, where all your work is actually taking place?”
“No.”
“Well, I imagine that place is as disorganized as this one.”
He lifted his gaze and looked me, his stoic expression drilling into my face. Then he looked down and kept working. “What are you implying?”
“Maybe I should come to work with you every day.”
He stilled and looked at me again, his eyes narrowed. “Why?”
“Because I can make your life easier there too.”
“I told you I don’t want anyone in my penthouse alone. If you’re there, then there’s no one here to watch Diane.”
“She’s only here three days a week, and now that she’s done the deep clean, she’s not here very long. So, if you want me to supervise her, it won’t take too much time. Honestly, I think she’s fine coming here alone without my supervision, but if that’s what you want, that’s an easy request to fulfill.”
“I don’t care what you think.” He didn’t snap like he was angry, just spoke his mind candidly and didn’t realize how offensive that statement could be. He spoke in unequivocal terms so he was easy to understand, but he didn’t know how to soften his blows. “I don’t know this woman. I’ve never met her. And even if I did, I’ll never trust her.”
“Never is a strong word.”
“Not strong enough, if you ask me.” He lowered his chin and got back to work.
I watched him scribble in his masculine handwriting and add the stack of papers to the growing pile.
“Well, we can hire you another assistant for the office, but if you utilize me, you’re getting more bang for your buck. Besides, when you’re at work, I don’t have a ton to do, and I’d rather be useful than get paid to do nothing. How about I join you two days a week? Tuesdays and Thursdays?”
“Those are the days I lecture.” He organized the next pile.
“Perfect. I can help with that too.”
He stilled and sighed quietly, like my offer was intrusive.
“I know you refuse to admit that I’m improving your life, which is fine because I don’t need your validation, but you know I have the ability to help you outside the house. So, give me the opportunity to prove it to you. I’ve earned it.”
