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“You want me torunthe place?” I sputtered. “That’s more than just offering me a job!”
Furio shrugged one shoulder. “I am sorry for not being clear. I want you to run the company. This is good news, yes?”
The flattery of the offer was bright and shocking and intoxicating, but it faded fast. “You would want me to work in person, in Italy. Right?”
“Of course.”
“Furio, I can’t just uproot myself like that.”
One of his dark eyebrows rose slightly. “Because of Owen March and Jude Cauthon?”
“Because of my entire life here,” I replied. “My sister is still in college. I have a house. And my career… I love my career at ACS.”
He cocked his head, studying me. “Jobs do not last forever. Employees change companies very often these days, I am told. Especially in the industry of technology. You could start a new career ateTodo.”
I smiled and took his hand. “I’m flattered by the offer. I truly am. But I’m not ready to change careers just yet. I am definitely open to working foreTodoin the future, but not any time soon.”
His disappointment was obvious, but he covered it with a smile and leaned up to kiss my cheek. “I am sad to hear this, but I understand. And who knows? Perhaps things will change at the company soon that make you reconsider.”
“Are you talking about ACS possibly going public?” I asked. “That’s at least a year away, according to Owen.”
“Perhaps,” he said, shrugging again. “Perhaps something else that nobody foresees. Now, let us discuss the charity gala! The event is formal, of course, which I believe in English means to wear…”
As he changed subjects to tomorrow night’s event, I couldn’t help but wonder if he knew something about ACS that he wasn’t telling me.
54
Amber
The next day at the office, Owen was friendly but a little awkward about things.
“No, it’s fine, I get it,” he said when I asked if he was okay. “You were upfront about being with Furio too. I was surprised to see him in the office on a random Monday morning, but that’s all.”
“I was surprised too,” I said with a laugh.
“The only thing I was disappointed about was not seeing you last night, since it wastechnicallymy night.” He laughed and said, “I sound like a parent fighting over child custody, don’t I? Fuck. I don’t mean it like that.”
I smiled and said, “I didn’t take it like that. It was your night.”
“No worries. You can make up for it with me tonight.” He leaned forward on my desk and smirked. “And whatever you and Furio did? I’ll make you forget all about it.”
I winced. “Actually, tonight… I promised I would go out with Furio again.”
“The charity gala.” He grimaced, but nodded. “Nope, I should have expected that. I hear it’s a big event. Maybe I’ll buy a spot next year.”
He started to leave, but I jumped up and rounded my desk. “I’ll make it up to you. I promise.”
“Yeah?”
I glanced toward the door, then gave him a quick kiss with tongue. It only lasted a few seconds, but I felt him inhale deeply and lean into me before I pulled away.
“Promise.”
That put a smile on his face, although I did feel bad about ditching him for Furio. But then again, it wasn’t very often that the Italian was in town.
I’m playing a dangerous game, I thought as I returned to work.Juggling three men isn’t as easy as two.
I went home after work and got ready for the charity gala. My sister got home when I was already dressed, and she made a choking noise in the doorway to my room.
