He didn’t return the favor.
“So, darlin’, you a new Hullywod client?” the man asked me. I couldn’t remember his name, and I didn’t care enough to think about it. I did know that he’d done a recent stint on a popular western drama because I’d caught enough of his previous interviews to know his new accent was fake.
And a bad fake, at that.
“No,” I said simply as I checked the entrance, willing Tripp to hurry up. To my shock, it worked, and his tall frame filled the doorway.
I will use this power for good.
Mostly.
If he was anyone else in the world and not my boss, I might’ve thought about how good he looked. The sleeves of his dark gray Henley were pushed up to expose his tanned forearms, and his torn black jeans looked worn and soft. His whole vibe was effortlessly cool.
And that was before his gaze landed on me like I was the only person. Not just the room. In the whole universe.
But I was immune to his charisma and stupidly handsome face, so I didn’t notice.
Okay, fine, I noticed. I had eyes. But it was strictly observational, and not in a way that would let him run circles around me until I was just as useless as every other assistant he’d had.
The smile that began to form when he spotted me dropped at my glare. Or maybe he had a rivalry with the man next to me because I was pretty sure his sudden scowl was aimed at him. I didn’t have time for pissy fights about lost gigs or whatever. I gathered my belongings and stood, closing the distance between my new boss and me.
If I was smart, I would’ve remembered that last part. That not only was he my boss, he was anewone. I would’ve let his rudeness go unless it became a habit.
I didn’t.
I did manage to keep my attitude in check—barely—as I pointed out, “You’re late.”
“Tony always books buffer time since he’s used to this happening,” Tripp said like it wasn’t a big deal.
“He might be, but I’m not. I’ve been here for over an hour.”
His gaze moved to the other man’s retreating back as he finally followed after the waiting receptionist. “Seems you had some company to keep you occupied.”
I choked back a snort. “Something like that.”
He returned his focus to me and had the good grace to look sheepish. “I’m sorry. My meeting ran long, and I lost track of time.”
Some of my irritation deflated. “I understand that things come up. You run behind. Whatever. Buttryto text me next time so I can do something other than sit around waiting.”
“Won’t happen again.”
I didn’t believe that, but I appreciated the sentiment.
Since we were already running behind, I thought he would move to the elevator, but he didn’t.
He shoved his hands in his pockets as he asked, “How was class today?”
“Good,” I drawled slowly, wondering if he was upset that my schedule hadn’t allowed me to attend the earlier mystery meeting.
But his expression wasn’t annoyed or pouting. It was open and curious. “What did you have?”
“For what?” I asked, totally lost.
Thankfully, he didn’t think I was a dumbass. His smile was amused as he clarified, “What classes did you have today?”
“Oh. Responsibility in Business Ownership. Why?”
He didn’t answer but asked, “Is that what you want to do? Own a business?”
