His expression—from the wide-set, dark eyes to the cheekbones any model would kill for, to the straight nose and the unsmiling mouth—indicates he’s serious.
“Trust me,” he says. “Akiko thinks we eat too much, so she serves everyone hummingbird portions. Or maybe she’s worried that we might develop diabetes. Or high blood pressure, stroke, sleep apnea, endometrial and colorectal cancers all at the same time. And brain bleeds, too.”
I let out an incredulous laugh. “No way.”
“Very muchway. Trust me.” He presses a kiss on the top of my head.
The spot tingles. I pull my lips in, my heartbeat picking up at this casual display of affection. In the past few days, I’vebeen reacting uncontrollably to every touch and look from him. It can’t be normal to get wet every time he gives me a smile…or winks…or cages me between his arms. I wish he’d come just an inch or two closer, but he never crosses the line. As a matter of fact, he hasn’t tried to kiss me, either—although maybe he’s waiting for me to call him “boss” again…?
If it were anybody but Josh, I might think he’s flirting and trying to gauge my reaction. But this is Josh Huxley, one of the most eligible bachelors in the state, if not the country, and he’s dated countless gorgeous women, whom he promptly dumped soon after he slept with them. I recall Coco’s furious email that landed in my inbox.
You think you’re special now? He hasn’t fucked you yet, has he? Once he puts his dick in you, his fascination will end. But you can play hard to get for only so long. I hope he dumps you like a piece of trash that you are. And I hope it goes more viral than the stupid engagement! Fuck you!
Intellectually, I understand that she vomited out all that hatred in a fit of spite and rage. After all, she’d sent me dozens of emails to get me to set her up with some time with Josh. But in my heart, insecurity and fear beat up what little confidence I managed to muster after Josh kissed me and gave me that gorgeous ring. And the saddest thing is that I can hear my own mother’s voice spewing the same bile.
I shake off the negativity. I can’t dwell on it and still face Josh’s family. Although I’ve met his father, brothers and aunt at work, I’ve never seen his grandmother, Catalina Huxley, or his stepmom.
Josh sits at the counter and bites into his tacos with gusto.How can he eat like this and still stay fit?I know he hits the home gym several times a week, but still…
“I can’t eat those tacos. Way too tense,” I say.
He grunts mild disapproval, but devours his food like it’s his last meal before being exiled into a desert. “Don’t say I didn’t warn you. Now, tell me what’s bothering you. I doubt you seriously believe my family’s shallow enough to care about your hair.”
I stop in the middle of rearranging my curls so they’re less noticeable. Heat floods my face. I hesitate, unsure how to broach the subject. “Well. I’m not even sure they’ll actually believe we’re engaged. You know, for real. I’m nothing like the women you date.”
He gives me a confused look. “The women I date?”
“Well…yeah. They all have stunning bodies and flawless complexions and hair that lies all sleek and tidy—”
“You might note that they aren’t with me anymore. And my family doesn’t care much about appearances.”
“Easy to say when everyone’s gorgeous,” I mutter.
“And you’re part of ‘everyone.’”
His rebuttal is too swift, like it’s something he’s been prepping in his mind all this time, like he was getting ready for a trial. It’s difficult to believe the sincerity. Not that I think he’s reallylying, but he’s probably only being partially truthful. “And I have no accomplishments,” I argue stubbornly, determined to make him see things from my perspective and understand where I’m coming from. “Didn’t even get a bachelor’s degree.” I sigh. Katt might’ve had a point about my lack of a four-year degree.
“So?”
“Everyone in your family went to Harvard Law.”
“Actually, Grandma went to Yale—”
“You’remissing the point.”
“And you’re overthinking this. Will getting a four-year degree make a difference in your career?” He pauses, giving me a long, probing look.
I shrug helplessly. “A lot of assistants at the firm have four-year degrees.”
“I’m not talking about them. I’m talking aboutyou, and you know perfectly well that the answer isno. You’re still one of the best assistants at Huxley & Webber. If anybody tries to poach you, I want you to tell me so I can outbid them.”
I flush. A few headhunters actually have approached me, but I turned them down, not wanting to leave Josh’s side. I didn’t realize he valued me that much.
“Now, if you want to switch careers and do something that requires a bachelor’s degree, I’ll be the first to support and cheer you on.”
“Even if I’m not going to be your assistant anymore?”
“Even then. Life is short. You should do what you want, what you find fulfilling. I’ll never stand in your way if you pursue that.”
