Page 29 of The Master

I worked, and it was exactly what I needed to get through the day with my sanity intact. It did it so well that I didn’t realize the time until Mr. Hancock stopped at my desk.

“I made it through three-fourths of the list,” I said. Even though I knew he was on my side, I still wanted him to see that I wouldn’t let what was happening affect my work.

He let out a low whistle. “I thought that would at least give you two full days of work. Did you stop for lunch?”

I shrugged, my eyes sliding away from his. “I wasn’t really hungry.”

“Well, keep in mind that Mr. Lexington is providing lunch for everyone until this whole thing is resolved.” He tapped on my desk for a moment before adding, “Any time you feel like you’d work better from home, just let me know. I’ll send you whatever I have for you that day.”

I nodded. “I’m going to try to keep things as normal as possible.”

He nodded back, then took a couple steps before turning to back me again. “You should know that Ms. Lamas and I are on your side. I know Mr. Lexington has some…well, I know he’s not exactly a ‘dinner and a show’ kind of guy, but he’s not what those women are saying he is either. He’s better with you.”

“Thank you.” I smiled at him, a truly genuine one.

He hadn’t needed to offer his opinion of what was going on. His willingness to take the circumstances into consideration when it came to work had been more than enough, but knowing I not only had his support professionally but personally as well, meant a great deal to me. I didn’t have to worry about him having a negative personal opinion of me behind a professional face.

“Leave when Owen gets here for you. You don’t need to work overtime. You have nothing to prove.”

He walked away without waiting for a response, probably because he knew I’d try to find a way to say that I did have something to prove without flat-out contradicting him. My head knew that what he said was right, but the rest of me wasn’t so sure. His departure meant I didn’t need to try to reconcile the conflicting sides into an answer.

I turned back to my computer. I wouldn’t work overtime, but I would finish this particular section before closing things down for the day. It’s what I would’ve done even if I hadn’t been waiting for Owen, which meant it was the right thing to do now too.

When the phone on my desk rang, I picked it up without thinking, only realizing that I probably should’ve let it go as I opened my mouth to say ‘hello.’

Fortunately, it wasn’t a reporter – probably because the line was one only used within the company – but rather a familiar and welcomed voice.

“Hello,le soleil. How has your day been?”

“Not terribly bad,” I said honestly. “I had plenty of work to do, and no one bothered me.”

“Good,” he said. “Owen just messaged me that he’s on his way back. He’s got your place squared away.”

“Oh, good.” I wasn’t entirely sure what that meant.

“So, I was wondering if you wanted Owen to take you home…or if you’d rather stay with me tonight, maybe longer? It’s okay if you don’t. I won’t be offended.”

I frowned. Since when did Nateask?

“Is something wrong?”

“I was wondering when you startedaskingme things like that.” I let a hint of humor trickle into my voice to let him know I wasn’t upset.

“Would you prefer if I said that Owen was bringing you to my place?”

He honestly sounded curious, and that made me smile. “And if I say yes?”

“Then I’d say that I’ll see you at my place later.”

Familiar warmth coiled in my belly. “Won’t it make things worse for you, if anyone sees me at your place?”

“I don’t care about me. I want to protect you, take care of you.” The intensity in his voice made me catch my breath. “If you think it’s too fast for us to be staying together after this past weekend, you can stay in one of my guest rooms. I’ll keep my hands to myself. I promise.”

“And if I don’t want you to keep your hands to yourself?”

“I’ll do that too.”

I swallowed hard, my heart thudding against my ribs. “I’ll need to go home to get a few things.”

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