“I’m not going to admit to that.” I heard Wade start to move and knew I’d taken up too much of his time…and mine. “Okay, back to work. Thank you for letting me lose my marbles.”
“Any time.” Warmth filled his voice. “Just don’t worry about it. Everything will work out the way it’s supposed to.”
Fingers crossed he was right.
“I just wish it was as easy as setting up a new deal was.” I’d rather be negotiating a new shipping contract.
“This will end up being more satisfying in the long run. I’ll talk to you later and I expect to hear how it goes.” As Wade disconnected, I set my phone down on the desk and stood, still not able to relax.
There’d just been something about the way Shane had looked at me. It’d been a simple conversation about plans for the afternoon, and I’d mentioned needing a few minutes to talk to him about the contractors I’d looked into.
Something in his expression had changed. It was like I’d flicked a switch and a whole new side of him had flashed across his face for just a few quick seconds. Then it disappeared like it had all just been in my head.
Had it been?
No, there was no way I was wrong. I knew Shane. He’d never looked at me like that. He’d always been respectful and careful with how he treated me—never too familiar or teasing. I had fun talking to him, but there was always a wall between us when it came to personal things.
The wall had come down in those few seconds and it was like we’d both seen the real person behind it for the first time.
That should have made it easier.
It didn’t.
But the possibility was too tempting to walk away from. I knew what I wanted, and Shane hit every button for me. If there was even a slim chance that he was interested in me and could accept what I wanted in a relationship, I couldn’t ignore it.
I just hoped I wouldn’t end up regretting it.
* * *
“And if youcould resend the paperwork to Mitch Anders’ office, I’d appreciate it.” I chuckled as Shane groaned. “I have no idea what’s going on over there, but it’s the third assistant he’s had this week and they keep losing the file.”
Shane’s normally neutral expression tightened and he sighed. “I normally wouldn’t say anything, but the last assistant he had asked me if you…” He actually blushed and seemed to be staring over my shoulder. “Forgive me, he asked me how often you…lost your temper with me.”
Oh.
“That’s not good. He’s always seemed very even-keeled to me. What’s your impression? Has he been inappropriate?” Mitch’s company wanted to partner with us on a few smaller projects. Normally I wouldn’t have been directly involved, but we’d met at several events and I hadn’t felt like I could hand him off to someone more junior.
“Never.” Shane shook his head, the nervous look on his face gone, and in its place was a forceful expression that had me relaxing. “At first nothing seemed out of the ordinary, but over the last few weeks it’s been…odd.”
I was probably too careful with who our name was associated with, but since it seemed to have worked out well for us, I wasn’t planning on changing that. “Is there anyone you can call to find out more about what’s going on? If he’s unstable or someone we wouldn’t normally work with, then I’d rather know now before we’re tied together.”
Contracts could be broken, but I’d rather know what was happening before it got to that point.
Shane stepped back toward the door and his shoulders relaxed. “Of course. Is there anything else?”
Unfortunately, yes.
“I met with one of the contractors yesterday and he didn’t seem to be the most…let’s just say I don’t think our personalities will match. I have a feeling Austin would drive him insane.” He’d also made several comments that had me questioning what he’d say if he found out the real purpose behind the club.
He’d been very polite, but he hadn’t been able to hide his reaction at the mention of Austin’s name. Finding a company to work with was going to be harder than I’d anticipated, and I’d gone into this knowing it wouldn’t be easy.
“I’ve lost the list you gave me the other day with alternative options.” I looked around and sighed, hating the cluttered mess my desk had become. There just seemed to be too much going on. I knew part of it was my own stress levels manifesting in the lack of organization, but knowing that didn’t make it any easier to handle.
Shane’s lips twitched and there was a tightness around his eyes that said he was trying not to laugh. “Of course, I’ll have that to you in just a few minutes. I’m also researching a few more companies and focusing on ones who seem open-minded.” There was the barest of pauses before that suppressed smile seemed to return. “So they won’t mind dealing with colorful personalities like Mr. Johnson.”
Shit.
“Um, yes, I want someone who can deal with situations that are…outside the box.” I was pretty sure we both grasped the understatement there. “It’s just going to take a bit of time.”
