And maybe a lot of money to guarantee silence.
Shane nodded, but he seemed to be taking the situation seriously because the hidden smile faded. “It’s an interesting and worthwhile project, so finding the right people to work on it will be critical.”
Interesting?
Worthwhile?
“I think so.” I swallowed and forced myself not to look away. I’d never backed down from anything and I wasn’t going to start now. “It’s a bit unique, but I think that can be good. Just because something isn’t typical doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with it.”
Shane’s expression grew serious and there was something in his eyes that said we were both on the same page. Instead of worrying me, though, I felt calm pushing through me for the first time. His warm, deep voice only reinforced the emotion. “Everyone approaches situations differently. Seeing things that others miss is one of the things that’s made you very successful. It’s not surprising that you’d take the ability to approach things in your own unique style into other areas of your life.”
We were slowly dancing around the subject, but how did we take the conversation to the next level? Was he just trying to show me he could deal with his boss’s idiosyncrasies and not have it affect his work or was there something else?
“Some people don’t accept unique ideas as easily as others do.”
Did he?
A flash of heat flared in his eyes before he caught himself. “And sometimes new ideas take root and give people something to think about.”
Had I given him something to think about?
“Looking at something from a new perspective can be good, but it can also be disconcerting.”
He shrugged, a casual gesture that didn’t seem forced. “Some people worry too much. When you really look at new ideas, I find they’re not hard to grasp. I appreciate learning new concepts and new sides to people.” His tone took on a more serious note as he finished and gave me a firm look.
Was he really that okay with it?
“I’ve run into situations where people don’t always appreciate something different.” Numerous situations. It shouldn’t be that much of a shock that an omega wanted to submit.
He actually rolled his eyes. “Some people are stupid. It’s not rocket science.”
I snorted and fought the urge to laugh. “I agree.”
I wanted someone else to take control and to be able to let go. It felt like part of me that I had to hide away, instincts that had to be constantly ignored.
Shane turned his gaze back to me and the heat was rising again. “Forgive me if I’m overstepping my bounds, but I just want you to know that I like working for you andnothingin your personal life would change that.”
I found myself swallowing several times, words refusing to come out.
I was not a fucking coward.
“Sometimes things in an omega’s personal life can severely affect working relationships.” I took a long breath. “I would hate for anything in my life to make you uncomfortable or to affect your job.”
In the past we hadn’t been exactly friends, but he’d never been just an employee. I didn’t want to lose that foundation in the changing way he saw me. Because no matter how accepting he was, it would change things.
I just hoped it would be for the better.
“Nothing will change how we work together.” There was utter conviction in his voice. “I am very happy in my position. If other things change, that doesn’t have to affect work.”
Other things.
Such a simple phrase but my brain kept trying to take it in a thousand dirty directions.
“I appreciate that. I wouldn’t want you to feel backed into a corner or like the office was a place you were uncomfortable in.”
Can you say sexual harassment lawsuit?
Shane’s lips twitched and that barely hidden smile was back. “Uncomfortable doesn’t have to be a bad thing.”
