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“Danger is a key part of journalism. It’s a profession that requires courage.”
“Are you going to keep quoting me back at myself?” I snap. “I was talking about myself in that article.”
“So, what’s the difference?”
“The difference is, when I walk into a room, I know I can handle myself. I know I can defend myself, but any sick bastard could do anything he wanted, and I wouldn’t be able to…”
To forgive myself if that happened, I’m about to say, but I quickly correct myself.
“To help you, if I wasn’t there.”
“Newsflash. Before last night, I was going to this interview alone.”
“Newsflash,” I counter. “Then it was always a stupid plan. Where are you meeting him?”
“His apartment.”
I groan. “Maddie… does that seem smart to you?”
“He’s scared his name will get leaked if somebody sees him with me, and he’s got anxiety. He’s terrified to leave his apartment. What else am I supposed to do?”
“Take someone with you,” I say.
She waves a hand at the hallway. “Then let’s go…”
Tightness grips my forehead, the start of a headache.
“Don’t you get it?” I snarl. “I can’t go with you. This deal is a billion-dollar move. Trent Saunders is trying to gut the ethics out of the company. They’re looking for a reason to bail. So far, we haven’t given them one.”
“But if you’re seen with the daughter of your assistant…”
“And you’re half my age.”
“It’s not like we’re dating,” she says firmly. “If we’re seen together, we have a good reason. You’re helping me with my website. You’re doing a good deed.”
When she says the worddating, I realize I’ve been speaking as though it’s a foregone conclusion. We’ll be together. Our relationship—which doesn’t even exist—matters, but she’s right. Again, I correct myself.
“Unfortunately, the truth isn’t always relevant. People will come to their own conclusions. I hate it, but I accepted it a long time ago.”
“Either way, I’m going,” she says. “So, it’s your choice if you want to come with me.”
I lean down even closer, so we’re at eye level. I love how short she is, how I could carry her and handle her with ease, my touch sinking into her curves.
“Are you always this stubborn,Michaela?”
“I panicked,” she whispers.
It must be a sign that she wants this, wants me on some level… the fact she’s not asking me to back up. Or perhaps I’m accidentally becoming one of those CEOs you hear about, using my power with women. I’ve never done that. I’d never be that type.
Her lips are so irresistible. I lean closer, and then she moves away, bumping into the wall. I was right. I’ve gone too far, but when she turns, I realize why. One of my employees is standing in the hallway, a man called Patrice who’s worked with me for years. Luckily, I know I can trust him, but what if somebody else had almost caught us?
“Sorry, sir,” he says. “I was thinking of using the meditation room. I’ll come back later.”
“It’s fine,” Maddie says. “We’re done with it now, anyway.”
With that, she walks down the hallway. I hurry after her, reflecting on how incredible this is, me chasing after a woman. I’ve never done that, never dreamed a woman existed whocouldmake me chase her.
“Where are you going?” I snap.
