Page 35 of Business Casual

He eyed me curiously. “Why?”

“It’s already hard enough having to look at you and keep it professional. But if every time we talk, I like you even more, that doesn’t bode well for me and my professionalism.”

“Well, if I wanted to take you out after meeting you and talking to you for five minutes, it should be a surprise to no one that I’d want to take you out after everything we did last night,” he countered. “I like you and I want to know you.”

Unblinking, we held each other’s gaze.

I swallowed hard. “So, what are we going to do?”

“What I want to do and what we need to do are two different things,” he pointed out. “But therightthing to do right now is keep the project first and stay focused on business.”

Squeezing my thighs together, I nodded. “You’re right. We can’t cross the line again so we should probably not see each other outside of work.”

His jaw tensed. “That is unfortunate,” he said slowly. “But you’re right.”

“It’s the only way to avoid temptation,” I added.

“Excuse me, Mr. Franklin,” a woman’s voice cut into our conversation.

I immediately shifted my attention, and all the air left my lungs.

Oh my fucking God.

Josephine Reed, the executive assistant to the Franklin men, stood beside our booth. Panic ran through my veins and dread sat heavy in my stomach as I processed what was happening. She looked between us, and I didn’t know what to do or how to react. So I shoved the last bite of my burger in my mouth.

“Uh hey, Josephine,” Tre greeted her. “What’s going on?” His tone was calm, but his eyes darted around before landing on her. “Everything okay?”

“Actually, no,” she answered. “We need you back at the office. Your father had an accident in the stairwell, and he’s been taken to the hospital.”

“What?” He dug into his pocket and pulled out his cell phone. “Shit,” he muttered under his breath before bringing the phone to his ear. He looked up at her. “How did you know where I was?”

“You must have the company phone with you. Because Mr. Franklin told me where you were since he couldn’t reach you by phone,” she explained.

Tre opened his mouth like he was about to say something to her and then he looked down. “Pop, what’s going on?” He cradled the phone between his head and his shoulder and pulled out his wallet. “I had my phone on silent. What do you need me to do? I can go to the office or I can reschedule the meeting and meet you at the hospital.” He grabbed way more than enough to cover the tab and placed the bills on the table. “Okay, I’m on my way,” he concluded.

I waited anxiously for an update as he slipped his phone and wallet back into his pockets.

“I’m sorry to have to run,” he told me before standing up. “I’m sorry.”

I shook my head. “No, no, go,” I told him. “Don’t be sorry. It’s your dad. I’ve been there and I understand completely.” I paused for a second, remembering Josephine was there as he rose to his feet. “And I’ll be ready for Friday’s meeting.”

I said the last part in a hurry, and I don’t think it even registered with him.

“Okay.” He nodded distractedly. “Okay, thanks,” he said before he was up and rushing out the door.

I watched him make his way to the door and then I felt Josephine’s glare. When I looked up, she had her eyebrow quirked knowingly.

“Have a good day, Ms. Jones.”

“Bye Josephine,” I replied feebly before she walked off.

If Mr. Franklin only suspected before, he’s going to definitely know now.

I closed my eyes and said a prayer for Mr. Franklin’s well-being. I quickly followed it up with a prayer for me and Tre.

My stomach was in knots as I thought about my contract being voided and my reputation being sullied. There was a nagging feeling in the back of my mind that worried about Tre’s reputation and his standing with the company.

I clenched my fists to keep myself from screaming.Dammit!

*****

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