Page 60 of Zimyra

I want to smile, but I don’t. I keep a straight face and say, “Yes, it would be very wrong.”

“Why’s that, Sunflower?”

“Because this—it’s—it’s not—”

“You’re trying to find an excusenotto like me. You’ve been doing it for some time, and I think you need to stop.”

My right brow raises like I have no control over my expressions. Still hiding my amusement and embarrassment, I ask, “Who are you talking to like that?”

“I’m talking to you, Zimyra St. Claire. How about this? Tell me you don’t like spending time with me. I dare you.”

Now, I’m really on the verge of smiling. I hold my notebook in front of my face so he can’t see me. He takes it from my grasp and places it on his lap.

“Seriously?”

“Tell me.”

I close my eyes and try to summon some inner strength, but I have nothing. I say, “I don’t like spending time with you.”

“You’re smiling,” he says.

I blow a breath and look away from him to collect my thoughts before turning to him again. I say, “I cannot risk losing my job over you.”

“Wow.”

“That’s not a diss, Axel. It’s the truth. I have an office to run.”

“I’m not preventing you from doing that.”

“It’s a conflict of interest. I can’t have you slacking on the job or thinking you can get away with certain things because you’re cool with the boss. Not happening.”

“I could be the best thing that ever happened to you.”

“Or the worst,” I counter.

“Or thebest,” he re-counters.

I send him a challenging stare and ask, “Can I have my notebook back, please?”

He hands it to me, our eyes never losing contact.

“Thanks.” I fold it closed and ask, “How far do you stay from here?”

“I’m near downtown.”

“Oh, okay. That’s not far at all.”

“No, it’s not. Question—”

“Please…no more questions…” I say.

“Why did you lock up the office early today? I didn’t have a chance to give you the report.”

“Do you have it on you?”

“It’s in my car.”

“Okay, then just give it to me after you’re done eating. I’m going to be here for a while.”

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