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“I called Rhys to find out if I could get to the office early,” Arianne says. “I wanted to hit the ground running first thing this morning.”
Sure, Rhys and I get in that early when we need to plow through work, but she just started. “Isn’t six a little early?”
“You hired me for a reason,” she says, lifting a defiant chin. “I could live with not being prepared yesterday when I first met you, but that’s not my MO. Since my goal is to have preliminary reports to you before the end of the week, there isn’t a minute to waste.”
I don’t know how to respond to that.
On one hand, I’m grateful for her dedication, on the other, I hate that she went to Rhys instead of me.
“I see,” I say with a slow nod.
I should keep my gaze trained on her, but my eyes drift to Rhys. I guess he takes that as an invitation.
“I picked up Arianne at her place and we drove in together,” he says.
He knows where she lives?
“She’s already picked up on a few things we can improve.”
“That sounds promising,” I say.
“Very. Promising.” Rhys is playing me.
“If it’s okay with you, Beckett, I plan on spending the next three days working closely with Rhys,” Arianne tells me. “I want to have a good grasp of the ins and outs of your manufacturing to see where I can trim costs.”
“Three days? That’s—”
“That’s the core of the business,” Rhys says. “Any savings could be allotted to more marketing and advertising dollars.”
Like I couldn’t figure that out on my own, Einstein.
“It makes sense,” I say with a tight smile.
Arianne’s eyes drop to my hand, reminding me I’m still holding on to the breakfast I brought her.
I close the door with my foot and stalk to her desk, my eyes glued to my business partner.
I drop the coffee and the bag in front of her. “Just in case you want another coffee and you need a shot of sugar before lunch.”
“Thank you,” she says.
“It’s my pleasure. I’m not a fan of reheating coffee in the microwave, but Thoroughly Hot is worth the exception. Tall latte with two shots of espressos and three sugars, just the way you like it, accompanied by an assortment of my favorite French pastries. Since you’ve never been to Paris, I guess this is so apropos.”
Rhys rolls his eyes hard.
You think you’re the only one who has game, buddy? Think again.
“I don’t know what to say.” Arianne blushes.
Damn, I love the color of her cheeks.
“You two are so attentive.”
I shoot Rhys another threatening glare.
He returns the favor.
I fish for my phone in my suit jacket.
