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“I’m grateful for them every day.”
“I’m sorry I’m late.”
He turned as Rachel pulled out the seat next to him. She took off her jacket and hung it on the back, nodding at Chris. “Hey.”
Chris frowned at her. “You okay?”
“It was a day. I’ll tell you about it in a second.” She faced Jamie. “Hey,” she said in a softer voice.
Putting his hand on her waist, he leaned in to kiss her. “Drink?”
Sighing, she leaned a little into him. “Heck yeah.”
As Chris poured her a glass of red wine, Jamie took her in. If he didn’t know her better, he’d have said she looked wonderful, but he knew her so he could see how her edges were frayed.
He could also see how she’d tried to hide it. She wore jeans and sandals with a slouchy sweater that bared a creamy shoulder. She wore a bit of mascara and some lipstick. He could see evidence of her shower at her hairline. He leaned in to kiss her cheek so he could see how she smelled. “Soap.”
“I went home to shower before I came.” She blushed charmingly as she angled herself closer to him. She smiled her thanks at Chris, lifting her glass to take a healthy swallow before she frowned at her friend.
“The day was that good, huh?” Jamie asked, putting his hand on her leg.
She winced, shooting a glance at Chris. “I’m not sure I want to talk about it.”
Meaning there was something up with the project she was working on. When she’d told him about it and what her boss had said to her regarding the development being in the planning phases, he knew it was utter shite. He may be an athlete, but he was a businessman too, and he knew a line when he heard it. He also knew that men like her boss often manipulated the people who worked for them—particularly women who were blinded by their need for approval. “I’m here if you want to talk to me about it,” he said as neutrally as he could given he wanted to charge in and help her.
She sighed, wilting in her seat. “It’s just I may have to do things I don’t want to do to get it.”
He nodded. “How do you feel about that?”
She slumped even more. “Like I have no choice.”
“There’s always a choice, love,” he said kindly.
“Not if I want the promotion.”
He paused, knowing most people would have kept their opinions to themselves. But he wasn’t most people, and he wouldn’t compromise Rachel by not telling her the truth, even if it wasn’t easy to hear. “I know you’re a nice girl, but even nice girls can stand up for themselves. They just do it with kindness instead of being bitchy divas.”
“I couldn’t be a diva if I tried,” she said with a wry expression.
“No, but if you don’t speak up for yourself, they’ll just keep running over you.” Feeling her start to retreat, he eased back, physically relaxing so she’d relax too. “Bosses are like coaches,” he said lightly. “Some build you up and some like to break you down. Personally, I’ve never liked to play for that type.”
“I can imagine.” She shook her head, as though she was shaking off her day. She pasted a smile on her lips. “How was your day, honey?”
He wanted to kiss the fake smile away until he could see the real her, happy or sad. But he knew she’d be embarrassed if he kissed her like he wanted to here, so he just ran his hand up and down her leg, trying to soothe her. “I offered Lottie a job today.”
She choked on her drink. “Seriously?” she said when she could manage it.
“She hasn’t accepted it yet.” He shrugged. “She’s playing hard to get, but I’m going to make her an offer she can’t refuse.”
Rachel leaned back, staring at him, her brows furrowed. “Are you serious? For your motivational consulting business? She said she was bored being at home all the time, but I thought she didn’t want to be a secretary again.”
“Her wisdom would be lost as a secretary.” He lifted his drink to his lips, speaking as casually as he could. “It could be a family business.”
“Right.” She laughed a little, though he didn’t hear much humor in it.
Knowing not to push it, he told her about Erik’s latest blind date. Before long, he had her laughing and more relaxed. He told himself to be patient. She just needed time to come around.
He hated being patient.
