Page 58 of Sincerely, Mr. Braden

“Too late for that, sweetheart.”

“That’s what I’m worried about. I need to let you know that I accepted a temporary assignment with a previous client—”

“You already accepted another job?” he asks with shock. He reaches around me to turn off the stove and moves the pan off the burner. “That fast?”

“I had to. When I didn’t hear from you, I thought you were done in all respects, and I kind of freaked out, because I have bills to pay. I went to see Becca at LWW, where she works for Aubrey Stewart.”

“Knox’s wife?”

“Yes. I was working with him and another client when you and I first started working together. When your work required more time, I stopped working for my other clients. His VA recently had a baby, and the timing worked out.”

“Shit.” Seth shakes his head. “I don’t want you to screw over Knox, but I don’t want you to stop working with me, either.”

“You don’t?” Hope swells inside me.

“No. I can’t imagine working with someone else. I was hoping we could make it work, but if it makes you uncomfortable—”

“It doesn’t,” I say, relief flooding me. “I love working with you and was going to say that I think I can handle both. He only needs me for two months, but he’s got some big projects underway, and you’ve got the expansion, so I’ll probably be very busy.”

“I’ll get you an assistant,” he offers.

“That’s awfully generous, but I don’t need an assistant. I can handle being busy, but if we’re going to continue working together, we should probably have some ground rules.”

He cocks a brow. “Are you going to hit me up for a raise?”

“No, but I might ask for hazard pay.”

“For what, exactly?”

“Dealing with you.”

He brushes his lips over mine. “That’s unfair. I’m an excellent boss.”

“And an excellent distraction. We’re supposed to be talking about ground rules.”

“Okay, what are you thinking? No sexual harassment charges if I text you something dirty?”

I smile at that thought. “Definitely no charges for that. But seriously, we need to think ahead. If we don’t stay together, I don’t want either of us worrying about what’ll happen. So if that happens, I’ll resign and help you train someone else. Done deal.”

“And I’ll pay you six months’ severance so you don’t have to worry about your bills.”

I roll my eyes. “Don’t be ridiculous. I’m being serious.”

“And I’m being practical.”

“Practically insane, maybe.”

He wraps me in his arms, grinning like a Cheshire cat. “You already admitted that you like my insanity.”

“I don’t remember using that word, and I’m not taking your money if we break up.”

“Then I guess we’re staying together. Because I’ve already drafted the contract in my head.”

I roll my eyes, and he kisses me.

“Seth, thirty days, that’s all I’ll need, and if it takes me less time to find a job, then you’ll be off the hook sooner. Are you sure you’re okay with continuing to work together? You’re sleeping with your assistant. You should think about that in case people find out.”

He holds me tighter. “People will find out, because I will never hide what’s between us, but as far as I’m concerned, I work with my assistant.” He kisses me softly. “But I’m dating”—he nips at my neck—“making love to”—he brushes his nose along my cheek—“and fucking”—he locks eyes with me—“my girlfriend.”