Page 16 of Brighter Together

“You know I won’t ask forever.” He shifts against the desk. “I’ve got other options.”

“I’m delighted for you.”

I turn back to my screen, expecting him to take the hint but of course he doesn’t.

Ian is a brilliant chef. Unfortunately, he also has the social awareness of a damp tea towel, and Anna has already warned him more than once about the way he talks to female staff. None of it seems to stick for long.

“Ian, what are you doing here?”

Tommy’s voice echoes through the room.

Ian straightens immediately.

I glance over and find Tommy changed into a dark suit and white shirt, his hair still slightly damp from the shower.

Much better.

Or significantly worse, depending on how much I value my concentration.

“Tommy.” Ian reaches for the folder he left on the corner of my desk. “I’ve got the menus for the VIP fundraiser.”

“Leave them with Ella. I’ll look at them this afternoon.”

“Sure.”

Ian puts the folder back down. “See you at the department meeting.”

He gives me a little wave before heading towards the door.

“Later, love.”

Tommy’s gaze follows him into the corridor.

He waits until Ian’s footsteps disappear before looking at me. “Was he bothering you?”

The question catches me off guard.

“No.”

One of Tommy’s eyebrows lifts.

“He was just being Ian.” I shrug.

“That isn’t an answer.”

I smile a little. “He asked me out. I said no. Again.”

Tommy’s jaw shifts.

Interesting.

“I’ll speak to Anna.”

“You don’t need to.”

“He’s already been warned.”

“I know.” I sit back slightly. “But I can handle him.”