Page 114 of His Good Girl

Benjamin arrived with lunch exactly seven minutes later, eyeing us both with suspicion.

“Here,” he said, setting down the bags. “Salads. Because it is Wednesday and the universe requires balance.”

“Thank you, Benjamin,” Avery said, her voice admirably steady.

He looked at her, then at me. “Are you both feeling well? You appear… relaxed.”

“We’re fine,” I said.

“Too relaxed,” he muttered, leaving the office with a shake of his head.

I met Avery’s eyes across the room. Her mouth twitched, then she ducked her head to hide a smile. For the rest of the day, she worked with a quiet focus that made me want to bend her over her desk and fuck her again.

I held back. For now.

The afternoon passed in meetings and calls, with Avery taking notes that were far more insightful than most new employees managed. At 2:15, I took the call with the mayor’s chief of staff while she sat silently, listening. When the call ended, I looked at her.

“Thoughts?”

She hesitated, then said, “They’re scared of looking weak, but they also don’t want to look unreasonable. They want a win that doesn’t look like a compromise.”

“Good.”

“Is that why you had me listen?”

“Partly.”

“What’s the other part?”

I leaned back in my chair. “Because I wanted you near me.”

Her cheeks flushed pink, but she smiled.

A couple of hours later, Benjamin appeared again, this time with an envelope.

“Your copies are here,” he said, handing it to me.

“Thank you.”

He glanced at Avery. “You are departing with Mr. Rowe today?”

“I don’t know,” she offered, her eyes flicking to me.

“You are,” I confirmed.

Benjamin’s expression remained neutral. “Very good. I’ll arrange for the car to be ready after your six-o’clock meeting.”

“Thank you, Ben,” I said.

“I remain at the service of other people’s complicated schedules.”

After he left, carefully shutting the door behind him, I stood and rounded my desk.

“Come here,” I said softly.

Shestood up andwalked to me, stopping just within reach. I tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

“Did you enjoy your day?” I asked.