Tripp came back into the room, and I hurriedly put my phone screen down like I was doing something wrong. My brain was a whirl of confusion and panic.
Unaware of my internal dilemma, he took his seat and gestured to the door. “One of Easton’s paralegals will be in soon to go over the paperwork.”
I opened my mouth to… do something. Rescind my acceptance. Tell him I needed time to think it over. Make up an excuse and go running from the room to escape the awkwardness.
Before I could do any of that, Tripp twisted in his chair. I didn’t fully register what was happening before he turned back and took a surprise picture of me.
Again.
I narrowed my eyes. “Stop doing that.”
But my annoyance faded when he smiled at me. Not a big one. Not a charming grin that could be—and often was—splashed across TVs and movie screens. It was small and genuine and raw. His voice held that same earnest edge. “I’m really fucking glad you agreed to this.”
Fuck the universe and its signs.
I returned his smile. “So am I.”
Tripp
I’m a damn genius.
Hiring Greer might’ve been as impulsive as my last few assistants, but it was still different.
Shewas different.
She wasn’t a friend who came to me with a sob story, manipulating me for a job she never intended to work. She hadn’t documented the process to post all over social media for clout. She might not have experience, but she clearly intended to work hard.
It was pathetic as shit, but I probably would’ve hired her even if she didn’t. Her salary was a small price to pay for her company.
I barely knew her, but I was a good judge of people. I just didn’t always listen to my instincts.
I would’ve stretched the interview longer to enjoy that company some more, but as soon as the papers were signed, Greer and Maddie took off to the front lobby, mentioning something about a new aquarium. I went to check in with Easton, whistling as I made my way through the building to his office.
“You didn’t blow it,” he said by way of greeting when I reached his open doorway. He didn’t look up from his computer, though I noted the pillow by his desk that hadn’t been there earlier. Itwas an easy guess that once Greer was gone, Maddie’s ass would be planted on that spot at her man’s feet.
The lucky bastard.
The image of Greer on her knees next to me like that didn’t form in my head. It’d been there, taking up all available real estate and living rent-free since the moment I saw her on the roof.
Like earlier when she’d mentioned being kept up all night, and again when I’d told her that I would teach her what I needed, I fought against my body’s reaction to her. Since it was futile, I shoved my hands in my pockets to hide the growing bulge.
Easton finally tore his focus from the screen, arching a brow and reminding me he’d said something.
“Not yet,” I said.
“Well don’t. You need a better assistant than the Alexs of the world.”
He wasn’t wrong.
“Hey, it’s not me you have to worry about. I’m a motherfucking delight.”
He arched a brow but didn’t respond otherwise.
“But we’re meeting with Tony on Monday,” I continued. “So the real concern is she’ll be bored to death and quit.”
“Ah yes. The inner workings of Hollywood, known for being boring.”
It is to me.
