Page 41 of Just A Little Magic

Her face was deadly serious, and her eyes bore into mine. It was creepy. And weird.

“You need to tell him the truth about how you feel. If you don’t, you might not get to have the future you want.”

“How do you even know that I want a future with Owen? I could want my friendship that we went and made awkward back.”

“That’s a straight-up lie. There was a lot more than friendship going on that morning. And you need to talk to him. He can’t feel secure in speaking about his own wants if the Daddy who wants to apply for the job doesn’t speak up.”

“What?What are you even talking about?”

“Stop. You’re not dumb, and neither am I. How many years have I sat at that desk? There’s nothing to be ashamed of.Do you, boo,as the kids say.”

“Pretty sure kids don’t say that anymore. Also, how on earth could you know what you think you know?”

“Because I listen when sweet Jakob and his Papa have stopped by to drag you to lunch, and that boy’s happy dance has more butt-wiggling than a puppy. If you don’t want me to know Gabe’s planning the perfect playroom for his boy, you shouldn’t brainstorm color schemes when he stops by and all four of you guys walk out the door together. By the way, that navy blue and coral will be beautiful. Furthermore, you’ve dated before. Granted, not much lately, but you’ve done it. They’ve called you Daddy. Birds of a feather blah blah blah.”

She looked as smug as the cat who ate all the cream. “And last but not least, you own a kink club, and you take particularcare in making sure the Rumpus Room section is always, always, always top-notch.”

“I could fire you for insolence.”

“Do it. Good luck finding anyone as discreet and wildly organized as me. It is a tough combo to find in one package.”

“Even if you’re right—and not conceding that you are—but if you were, what would you do?”

“Something holds him back from being all in with you. He’s never been able to keep his eyes off you when he thinks no one is paying attention. When you’ve dated in the past and had a little PDA, the man flinched.Flinched. Not wanting to be with you isn’t the problem. Why he won’t let himself be with you is the problem.”

“We’re rigging the auction.”

“Pardon?”

“Me, Jakob, and Rory. We’re rigging the date auction at Wilde Dandies so I’ll win the date with Owen.”

“Or you could talk to him.”

“Don’t be silly. That’s too easy. Also, it hasn’t worked so far.”

“Rigging the auction is a mistake you’ll regret.” At that ominous warning, she stood and headed for the door. “Call him yourself.”

“I could fire you!”

“You won’t.”

After the absolute audacity of my assistant, I brooded at my desk for a bit while I pretended to work. Until whatever this was with Owen was settled, I continued to be useless at work. It had been too long since I’d seen him, and I couldn’t take it anymore.

Decision made, I left my office and headed for the stairs. I studiously ignored the cackling laughter that trailed me down the hall. Maybe I wouldn’t fire that woman, but I could damn sure ignore her.

I stalked down the stairs to Owen’s office. When he joined the company, I’d offered him a higher office with a view of the harbor that equaled my own. He’d declined before the words had even finished leaving my throat.

Owen was no fan of heights, and the view would only remind him of it. Always the practical one, he’d said samples would be easier to move around on the ground floor anyway.

Since he wouldn’t take the amazing view, I gave him the best available on the floor he wanted. His office was tucked in the back of the building with a door that opened onto a tiny walled courtyard. Owen had added outdoor seating and plants. If the weather was nice, always hit-and-miss this time of year, he’d be outside working. And that’s exactly where I found him.

When I opened the door to the courtyard, I asked, “Hey, are you too busy to take a break?”

Owen sat at a reclaimed table in the middle of the space, surrounded by plants overflowing with late-season color. He looked up and smiled. A real smile. A genuinely happy-to-see-me smile. It warmed my heart and stirred my cock.

“I’m not too busy for the boss.”

“I’m hardly your boss.”

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