AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Just because I’ve had a few conversations with him—all that went poorly I might add—doesn’t mean I know him.”
“Well, this could be your chance to get off on a better foot. You can ask him about your proposal and why he had no comments.”
“I don’t know…”
“Come on. It looks like he’s about to combust.”
I had to admit it was a little satisfying to see the normally composed Nathan sweating a little bit.
“Fine. I’ll do it. But keep an eye on us in case I need backup.”
With that, I moved in on the two of them—trying not to laugh at the scene. Hannah put on her best sultry smile, while Nathan looked anywhere except her eyes.
“Hannah,” I said.
“Charlie.” She observed me, irritated I had interrupted her attempt at seduction.
Nathan, on the other hand, actually looked grateful. The tension eased from his shoulders as I approached. I realized this would probably be the only time he would be happy to see me.
“Ben was talking about the marketing strategy at the bar. Someone told him we aren’t doing anything with social media. You might want to go over there and set him straight before he gets the wrong idea.”
“Ben?” She jerked her head toward where the new CEO stood. “That’s ridiculous. I have a whole six-month plan for social media.” She pulled away, forgetting temporarily about Nathan. “I’ll be right back.”
Nathan loomed over me, and I could hear his long sigh of relief. “Thank you for that.”
“For what?” I asked, surprised to find his blue eyes meeting mine.
“For making that excuse.”
I nervously looked back at Ben, debating on whether or not to show my cards. Finally, I conceded. “How did you know it was an excuse?”
“Because Ben would never be talking about the social media marketing plan at the bar.”
“He could’ve been,” I said defensively.
Again, I swore I could almost make out a smile dancing behind his eyes.
“Maybe. But I’ve known him a long time and he absolutely despises social media.”
I shrugged. “How could I have known that? Besides, I said the one thing I knew would keep Hannah talking and distracted for a minimum of thirty minutes.”
“Bless you,” he said. I couldn’t help but smile.
After that, silence consumed us. I swished my drink around in my glass, searching my brain for something to say.
“Would you mind if we take a few steps to the side of the room?” Nathan asked.
“Oh, sure,” I said, following him to the wall where less of the company lingered. I set my drink down on the ledge and assessed his worn-out appearance. “Not a very social guy, are you?”
“Ben forced me to come,” he admitted.
“Don’t like fraternizing with us lowly employees, huh?” My attempt at teasing him seemed to fall flat.
“I think work and personal lives are best kept separate.”
I pursed my lips and nodded. “I guess I can agree with that. Lila dragged me here too.”
“Fraternizing with the irritable, boring boss, not your thing?” he asked.
