Page 43 of Stolen Kisses

I listened intently. If she said it was because of me, I was liable to track down her address, bang on her door, and kiss her senseless.

"Never mind," she said quickly, and I still had to fight the urge to dart out of my loft.

"Okay. So listen, I’ll email Magda right now and tell her that everything's fine,” she continued.

Gritting my teeth, I swallowed hard. "Great. Welcome to Sterling Investments, Hannah."

“Thanks! Got to go. I want to get this done.”

I knew that wasn’t the only reason she wanted to end the conversation, but I let it go.

After hanging up, I noticed I had a message from Jeremy. This morning, I’d taken him to school and gave him the video game I’d promised. I didn’t have enough time to hang around with him after work, but my brother was thrilled that I took him to school once a week. Not only for the additional help, but for bonding too. I enjoyed our time together; I loved that little guy.

Jeremy: THANK you, Uncle Chase. I’ve been playing nonstop today.

Chase: You’re welcome. Don’t forget to study too, ok? Don’t want your dad to get upset with me.

Jeremy:

I'd also missed a call from Duncan, so I called him back, pouring myself a second scotch.

"Hey," he said. "Got a few minutes?"

"Yes."

"I need to run a few things by you."

"Sorry I didn't answer before. I was talking to Hannah."

"Why?" He didn't sound pleased.

"She said she's taking the job."

"Listen, I know you two have history, but she's very smart, and she’d be a real asset. Maybe in time she could even become a managing partner."

"I thought about that too," I admitted.

"Okay, good. So don't mess it up, okay?"

"What were you calling about? Jeremy’s game?"

“No, actually, although I’m still treading a fine line with how much computer time he’s allowed. Everyone’s already on my case for getting him a phone, but I want him to be able to contact me at all times. And it’s not a smartphone. But that’s not why I called.”

“Then why?”

I needed him to get back on track. The more he warned me off, the more I wanted Hannah. I was like a bull with a red flag. Why couldn't I get myself together?

"We need to cut loose the partnership with Cloudport. We’ve given them enough chances.”

They were an external company focused on data analysis, and they were falling short.

"I agree," I said, immediately getting my mind into business mode.

"All right, so are we on the same page on that?"

"Yes. And I can do the honors.”

“Good. Because I was counting on you."

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