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“I know that, but you don’t need to make it obvious.”
“Baby, do you think I take just anyone to lunch?”
“Well, no…”
“Exactly. It’s already obvious.”
“Okay, then I don’t need to be obnoxious about it and put a target on my back.”
“Sweetheart, your chair is uncomfortable and is impeding your work. I’m getting you a new chair.”
He appreciated that she didn’t argue and instead simply said, “Thank you, Sir.”
Liam put his hand on the small of her back. “Where do you want to go to lunch?”
She turned to look at him with pulled brows. “I just assumed we would go to the cafeteria.”
“We can do that. Believe it or not, the food here is actually pretty good.”
Based on the double takes they received as they walked the hall to the cafeteria, he was sure there were going to be plenty of people interested in who was sitting with the CEO. Maybe he should insist they go offsite to eat—for her sake. He thought he’d be the one getting the attention, but people seemed far more interested in her.
Attention led to scrutiny.
He’d been cavalier about arriving and leaving together, and taking her to lunch, because he didn’t give a shit about the gossip. He’d even kissed her cheek. He hadn’t stopped to think about how it might impact her.
“Do you mind being seen having lunch with me?”
“What? No, of course not.”
“In your office, you said you were worried about having a target on your back.”
She glanced around at the people watching them and put on a fake smile as she said softly, “I think that ship has sailed, don’t you?”
“Maybe. But it’s your first day. It can be explained away that I’m just welcoming the pretty new consultant.”
“Who came and left at the same time as you. And will tomorrow. And the next day. That’s why I asked if people would be upset that your girlfriend is working here. And even though I’m not your girlfriend, people are going to assume it.”
He really hadn’t thought this through. He’d wanted what Parker had with Alexandra when she’d come to visit him, but given his and Utah’s circumstances, that wasn’t feasible. For being such a smart guy, he could be really dumb sometimes.
Fuck!
But there was no way he could go about his day and ignore her, knowing she was in the building.
With all the shit whirling around in his brain, he almost missed the “I’m not your girlfriend” dig.
Almost.
She was going to pay for that later.
Chapter Thirty-Four
Utah
She tried not to squirm when she noticed people staring while she and Liam ate. They had to be wondering who the hell this chick having lunch with the CEO was.
Did he even notice?
If he did, he didn’t let on.
