Page 98 of More Than Pen Pals

“That could work.” I’d feel less guilty about it.

“I’ll call and ask her.”

“You will not. I’ll call her tonight.”

“You also have to tell Leslie what’s going on.”

“Do I?” I don’t want to. I want it to all go away.

“Yes. Trust me on this.”

forty-seven

Wendy is out of the office this morning, so I won’t be able to talk to her until the all-office lunch. I can’t believe she didn’t leave a message on my machine last night to call her when I got home. Maybe she’s learning some restraint.

Speaking of restraint, I’m astonished by Ash’s level of it last night, and I’m grateful. I know he was only teasing when he kept asking to see the inside of my apartment, but if he had seriously asked to come in after that kiss in the hallway, I wouldn’t have been able to say no.

In fact, after he disappeared into the stairwell, I slid down to the floor and sat there in a daze for at least five minutes before gathering up the strength to let myself inside. I can’t let Ash walk me all the way to my door again. We’re going to have to restrict our time together to only public places or group outings for the foreseeable future.

I did call Aunt Star last night, though. She didn’t fully agree with my decision to date Ash, but she was supportive. She’s never been one to hold a grudge against someone who doesn’t take her advice.

Like I told Ash on the phone, Diego seemed intrigued by the little I told him about our proposal. Now that I know Ash would quit his job to work for the foundation, I’m more anxious about Diego’s ultimate response. I want this to happen not only because it could help countless people—including Ash’s friend—but also because it could alter Ash’s future in a positive way.

I didn’t close my office door this morning, because I need the accountability. If people can walk by and see me, I can’t be sitting and staring off into space. George Carter appears in my doorway and knocks on the open door. At my smile, he enters and takes a seat. “I hear you wanted to see me.”

I do, and I appreciate that he came to me instead of expecting me to go to him.

“I wanted to fill you in on where things are with Diego Sanchez.”

I tell him what I’ve accomplished as far as normal PR work goes, and then I explain about the proposal for the foundation.

“What do you think?” I ask when I finish.

“I think it’s the most comprehensive plan I’ve ever heard at this stage of the game, and I love it. And since Wendy and Ash were involved in the planning, I have no qualms about what you’re taking to Sanchez and Jacobs. But I’m curious about why Randall Hamilton is also in on it.”

I can’t tell him the real reason, so I shrug and say, “Ash brought him along. I guess he was interested in the idea, and he had some excellent input. I’m not sure how involved he’ll be going forward, but it was helpful to have him in the initial meeting.”

George nods. “I like Randall. I haven’t spent much time around him, but he’s quite personable. I could see him working in PR instead of law. Not much chance of that, though, is there, with the Hamilton name above the door? His father would never allow it.”

My heart sinks at his words.

He asks, “Are you settling in okay and getting to know your co-workers?”

“Yes, everyone has been great.”

I wouldn’t have survived either the work or the personal side of life these past few weeks without Wendy.

“Sounds like you and Wendy are spending some time together, which is good. She’s the best we’ve ever had around here. And if she’s taking time to help you, that means she thinks you have what it takes. She doesn’t do that for everybody.”

“That’s nice to hear. Thank you, sir.”

“Call me George, please.” He stands. “Again, let me know if you need anything from me, but you appear to be getting along fine without me.”

“I will, sir … George. Thanks again.”

He nods and exits my office.

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