Page 21 of Stuck with the Hot Boss
‘Okay, here’s my idea,’ he said. ‘We work through that report of yours, the one you wrote on your day out with Straight Flush. We shape it up and turn it into a strategy paper. One so smart and brilliant that it will blow Keith and Kev’s minds. We’ll become their most valuable employees. They won’tdaregive us the heave-ho.’
‘Do you think we can do that?’ said Evie.
‘No clue,’ said Leo. ‘But I’d rather give it a go than emigrate to Australia.’
‘Ilikeit!’ Evie laughed and held up her hand. ‘Gimme some skin!’
Leo shook his head, smiling, and high-fived her. His palm touching hers sent an instant wave of electric heat through her. Through him, too, it seemed.
‘Oof,’ Leo said, staring at her.
‘Yes,’ agreed Evie, staring right back.
‘This is a thing, isn’t it?’ Leo said.
‘A thing. Yes. It is.’
Leo rubbed his thumb over his palm.
‘I’m still your boss,’ he said. ‘For now, at least. So, I’m not sure if this thing should become – a bigger thing.’
‘An office romance is not actually punishable under law,’ Evie said. ‘Unlike, say, incest–’
‘Jesus.’
‘But I agree that we shouldn’t leap in headfirst,’ Evie went on. ‘Let’s take it slowly. See how this thing evolves.’
They stared at each other a moment longer.
‘If this meeting room wasn’t entirely glass, we’d be at it right now, wouldn’t we?’ said Leo.
‘Absolutely,’ said Evie.
‘We should go back to our desks. Start work on this killer strategy paper.’
‘That’s our plan,’ agreed Evie. ‘And we should stick to it.’
‘Do you want to come for a drink with me afterwards?’ said Leo.
‘Thought you’d never ask,’ Evie replied.
The afternoon sped along, with only a few minor arguments.
‘I swear,deliverablesis not a real word!’ insisted Evie. ‘Just sayresults!’
‘Deliverablesis more action-oriented,’ Leo countered. ‘Trust me. I know this shit backwards.’
‘Ugh, fine,’ said Evie. ‘But I draw the line atlow-hanging fruit. Sounds like a pair of testicles.’
‘Incentorincentivise?’ Leo asked.
‘Neither!’ said Evie. ‘But if you insist, use theiseone. Butdon’tspell it with a z!’
‘Synergies?’
‘I will ship you to Australia against your will.’
By 5pm, they had their first rough draft. And a pressing need for alcohol.
