Page 40 of The Executive Assistant

“Thanks,” I said.

Cameron smiled a little as he got settled. “We should try to do this more. I know it’s not an actual date, but I like going out to places with you.”

“Once we get through this campaign, I’ll have more free time.”

Cameron’s smile wilted a little. “You’ll still be busy, though.”

“Well, being busy is part of my job description. It’s my company.”

“I know that. I’m just worried about you, Alison. I’m not saying you shouldn’t work,” he explained as he put his hands up innocently. “I just think you need to slow down a little. You’ve been really stressed out since taking on thiscampaign, and I can tell you’re tired.”

I blinked at him. “Oh, thanks.”

“That’s not what I meant. You zone out a lot. You’re drinking more coffee. I know you’ve been napping at your desk.”

I frowned and looked away from him, wishing he didn’t notice little things like that. Of course, his attention to detail and care were some of his best qualities, but I didn’t like that he could use them against me. How could I argue against him without seeming like a jerk?

“Naturally, I’m more tired and stressed than normal when working on a big project,” I said, keeping my voice steady. “But that’s normal. I know you’re more on edge too.”

“I’m not on edge because of the campaign. I’m on edge because you’re running yourself into the ground,” Cameron stated with a straight face. He wasn’t playing around.

But neither was I.

“Have you forgotten that you’ve been working with me for years now?” I asked. “I’ve always been like this.”

Cameron sat back in his seat. “I know,” he said quietly.

Now, I felt insecure, like he saw me as some heartless machine. Needing to defend myself, I said, “I’ve always been like this. I did the same thing in college.”

“Why?” Cameron asked. He didn’t sound accusatory, though, but genuinely curious.

I couldn’t think of a direct, simple answer. “I’m not sure,” I said with a shrug. “I’ve always believed it’s important to give something my all. Maybe it’s a lesson I internalised as a child.”

“Are your parents like you?” he asked.

“They used to be. Now, they’re retired, living the life in Key West.”

“Well, I want you to be living the life now,” he said. “It’s good to take breaks. It’ll keep you from getting burned out or sick.”

“I did get the flu during exam week of my junior year in college,” I admitted, nearly shuddering at the memory of me sweating and suffering that whole week. That had happened after several all-nighters and skipped meals. My immune system took a huge hit, and I paid the price.

If I got sick now, I was screwed.

“I…” Cameron began, and it was one of the rare moments he looks unsure of himself. “I’m sorry. I’m not trying to question your work ethic. I know you work hard, and it’s one of the things I admire so much about you. I guess I just…” he trailed off, then cleared his throat. “I guess I just wish we could spend more time together.”

My heart softened. “Me too,” I murmured. I really did want to spend more time with him, but work always came first

“Well, I’m going to suggest something,” Cameron said. “You’ll automatically want to say no, but just think aboutit, okay? Really think about it.”

I felt a mix of suspicion and nervousness. “Go on.”

“Promise to be open-minded?”

“Yes, yes. Tell me,” I replied, motioning for him to spill.

“Let’s do a weekend getaway.”

I opened my mouth to shoot him down, but when he gave me a stern look, I shut my mouth. I told him I would think about it.

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