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That was the big question. Why? She wanted to write for people. She was desperate for her books to be published. But when she had the opportunity to get her work out there, she usually self-sabotaged and missed her window. It was that same confidence issue. Hands down, that’s what it was.
“I don’t know what my problem is. Other than the fact that if I don’t submit, I won’t fail.” She’d never failed anything before. Playing it safe made that easy.
“You also won’t get published.”
“I could be writing books that everyone will hate.”
He took a deep breath when she said that, and it was only after it was out of her mouth that she realized how it sounded. Pathetic. “You’re killing me here,” he said.
“I know. It’s hard for me, though.” Caroline slumped back in her chair. “I told you. Being friends with me might not be a good thing. I’m a little crazy.”
“Well, at least the crazy shows. It’s hidden crazy that’s a problem.” He took out his phone and started punching buttons. “I’m going to send you a text every day to keep you honest. When do you have to enter?”
The million-dollar question. Now she had to answer it honestly. “Today would be good. Tomorrow at the latest.”
He laughed. “Guess what you’re doing when you get home?”
She hesitated. The thought was terrifying, but he was right. If she didn’t take a chance, make a move, she’d be stuck in this rut forever. Josh was a strong, successful executive. He knew how to get things done. He worked hard and didn’t take no for an answer. S
he needed to adopt some of his attitude. “Okay,” she whispered. “You win.”
Josh shook his head. “Nope. But you might.”
* * *
Josh wantedto touch her the whole way back to her office. And he knew he shouldn’t.
He also shouldn’t have kissed her at lunch either, because stopping was so damn hard. She tasted good, sweet, and she still had that amazing smell. Sweet and spicy. The woman was a mass of contradictions and Josh had no idea why he suggested they try to be friends except that for the past few days he’d hated not seeing her. Completely hated it.
So, for him, this was a compromise. His inner alarm bells were screaming, telling him he should run like hell, but he couldn’t deny the attraction he felt. Something inside told him he needed her. Josh wasn’t necessarily looking for engineering advice, but for more validation that what his father was doing was wrong. Caroline understood him and what he needed and for the first time since he became a partner, Josh knew he could fight against his father’s latest scheme, and possibly win.
It was that intuitiveness, the quiet support she offered without question, that drew him in. Thinking about the Rossis, Josh had a feeling they hesitated around her because they didn’t know what to make of the youngest daughter. She’d taken a left turn and surprised the hell out of them. She’d always been accepting, predictable and now she’d thrown it all out the window. He was glad Meg reached out, but Caroline still had to be prepared to stand her ground.
This was the tricky part. While he knew he couldn’t change years of family dynamics, Josh decided to focus on helping Caroline be happy with who she was.
He hated that she felt isolated from her family because the feeling was something Josh could relate to. The circumstances were different, but he’d always been the outsider with his siblings. And now he’d never have the chance to grow close to his sister. Caroline’s writing, her career, her relationships were all things she should be sharing with those who shared her blood, but the distance that currently existed made that all but impossible. He didn’t feel sorry for her, because she needed no one’s pity, but if anyone deserved love and support, it was Caroline, and she wasn’t getting it. In the end, though, family or not, Caroline had to make choices about her own life and stop shooting herself in the foot. He had no doubt she could do anything she put her mind to, but her lack of confidence had crippled her and Josh wanted nothing more than to help her see how amazing she was.
For the life of him, he couldn’t understand his own reaction. Maybe he shouldn’t. For once he decided not to think so much and just go with what felt right.
He stuffed his hands in his pockets and tried to redirect his physical reaction to her. Work. Focusing on work was always a good plan. He was going to have a preliminary meeting with her boss when they got back to her office, come hell or high water, and her take on it would help him.
“So, how do I deal with Strickland?”
Caroline’s shoulders twitched and he went on alert. His whole body reacted. Her situation at the office might have been worse than he thought. “Mark’s a bully. However, since you’re better looking, bigger, stronger and richer, you shouldn’t have any issue with him.”
“I’m better looking?”
She smiled and slapped his arm playfully. “You know you are.” She shook her head. “He’s a phony. He’s going to flatter you to your face, but he’ll try to manipulate you. Making you wait is a favorite tactic of his.”
“I see.” He took out his cell and found the number in his contacts. “What’s the receptionist’s name?”
“Fern.”
“Really? Fern? Interesting.” Josh put the phone to his ear and when Pinchface picked up, he started playing his own game. “Fern, this is Josh Campbell. Please tell Mr. Strickland that I’m walking Miss Rossi back to the office and I’ll expect he’ll be ready to see me when we arrive there in, oh, about five minutes.”
“He may have another appointment,” she responded.
“Then tell him to cancel it. We’ll be there soon.”
