“You’ve never answered my phone call before. Ever.” My heart is pounding.
She turns away from Jack, taking a few steps toward the ocean. “So, did you just call to see if I would answer?”
“No. I called because I missed the sound of your voice.”
I wish I could see her face. She’s silent for a few moments before she turns, just enough for me to see the slight upturn on the corner of her mouth.
“Hmm,” is all she says.
I lean back against my desk chair. The door to my office opens unexpectedly, and my secretary steps in.
“Mr. Copeland, your next appointment just arrived.”
“Thanks, Ava. I’ll be with him in a moment.”
She nods, lingering inside. I raise an eyebrow at her.
“And Noelle called. She wants you to call her back.”
“Okay.”
I won’t be calling Noelle back, considering I haven’t spoken to her in six months and have no intention of continuing our physical relationship. I already told her that, so I’m not sure why she’s calling my office.
Ava’s expression is pinched, but she nods and shuts the door.
“Who’s Ava?” Summer asks.
“My secretary.”
“Oh.” She gnaws on her lower lip.
“Most CEOs have them.”
“Yeah. Is she pretty?”
I lick my lips, studying her profile. “To some people, I guess.”
“Oh. So, yes.”
“She’s an aspiring model.”
She rolls her eyes. “Everyone thinks models are pretty. That’s why they’re models.”
“I prefer more of a yoga body with a deep tan and honey-blond hair that feels like silk.”
She covers her mouth with her hand. “That’s oddly specific.”
“I know what I like, and I have very specific tastes. Also, are you jealous, Cupcake?”
She nods, but says, “No, of course not.”
I chuckle. I’m on the verge of telling her I can see her.
“I just know how tempting secretaries can be to their CEOs when they’re working in close quarters all day.”
“Ahh, right, your moronic douchebag ex-husband. I suppose, to weaker men, who don’t understand the value of a woman like you, it matters what their secretary looks like. Do you want me to fire her?”
Her mouth drops open. “No. I’m not your girlfriend.”
