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She draws in a sharp breath. "Why did you do that?"
"Do what?" I transfer the fork to my left hand, pick up my knife, and cut into the duck’s breast on my plate.
"You fed me with your fork, then picked up the smidgen from my lips—"
"And swallowed it?" I shrug. "It was a reflex."
"Oh."
"Also, you’re not eating."
She watches me for a few seconds, then picks up her own fork and eats a few mouthfuls. "You ordered risotto for me and duck for yourself."
I nod.
Her features light up, “You knew I'm vegetarian?"
"You mentioned it in the employee forms you filled out."
"Oh." She deflates a little and continues to eat.
"Thanks," she murmurs. When she’s done, she places her hands in her lap. "That was delicious. Thank you, again."
"Don’t expect me to feed you lunch every day; this was a one off."
Her lips stiffen.
"I order you to make sure you have your breakfast every day from now on."
"You order me?” Her gaze widens, “Who are you to order me?"
"Your boss."
"And if I don’t want your job?"
I lean back in my seat and nod toward the door. "You’re free to leave."
She glances toward the exit, then back at me. Her blue eyes spark, and color flushes her cheeks. She glowers at me, her features set in a mutinous expression.
"That’s what I thought." I rise to my feet, head back to my chair and busy myself with the document open on my computer.
Footsteps sound, then she walks over to stand on the opposite side of the table. "Are you going to tell me what else is expected from me?"
"Your task list is in your inbox, Ms. Young, along with my expectations of the role. I assume you’re able to read?"
She makes a strangled sound at the back of her throat.
My lips twitch. This has got to be the most fun I’ve had since preparing for my sermons. The thought wipes the smile off my face.
I managed to put the days of my being a priest behind me. I managed not to think of the absolute calmness which filled me then. How I was so sure I'd found my calling, my purpose… Only to find, it's not for me. And I haven’t allowed myself to think back in such detail to that time in my life. I thought I’d managed to put it behind me and move on, but all it took was one conversation with her, and the gates to my past have been pushed open. My hard-won control over my thoughts has never been this tested. I was right. She is a test, a provocation, a problem poised to flush out the weakness in my defenses. And I’m not going to let her win. I’m going to resist her. I’m going to use her to strengthen my resolve. I will not be swayed from my path. I will not give in to this temptation. I will stay true to my promise to never be involved with anyone.
"I take that as a yes?" My voice comes out in a snap.
She flinches, then juts out her chin. "Thank you for sending through my job description. I promise I will not bother you with such trivial questions again."
She turns to leave, I call out, "Oh, Ms. Young? The zipper on your skirt is undone."
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