Page 7 of Stuck with the Hot Boss
‘I expect you here at eight-thirty from now on,’ he said. ‘This is not negotiable.’
Evie dearly wished to negotiate but she kept her mouth shut. That was enough poking for today. She didn’t want to provoke him into suggesting anything more heinous, like breakfast meetings or working through lunch.
‘Copy that,’ she said.
He gave her a last frosty look and turned his attention to his screen. Leo’s desk faced hers, so she could only see the back of his laptop. The latest Apple. Everyone else at Double K had budget-brand PCs, so he must have really impressed Keith and Kev at his interview for them to make an exception. Evie wondered how much more than her Leo was earning but put that thought away as unproductive. She was perfectly happy with her salary and her job. Well, she had been until Leo arrived.
Leo was busy tapping away at his keyboard, and so Evie surreptitiously scoped out what he was wearing on his top half. A sand-coloured polo shirt with white collar and cuffs, that was just the right amount of tight. She couldn’t check out his pants and shoes without peeking under the desk, but guessed they’d have the same quiet luxury vibe he seemed to go for. Evie was in her favourite summer work outfit of peach-coloured tailored linen shorts and loose-fitting matching shirt. Both items could do with an iron, and Evie was sure Leo would bring this up at some point.
‘So, boss,’ said Evie, thinking she should show willing. ‘What’s on the agenda today?’
He looked at her with the same stony expression as before. ‘Did you not read my email?’
The accurate answer was ‘What email?’ but Evie kept that to herself and quickly scanned her inbox. Sure enough, there was an email from Leo. Sent two minutes ago. Even though his face,complete with working mouth, was barely a metre away from her own.
Oh, no, no, no.
Evie knew she was taking a risk. But that kind of behaviour, even from a brand-new boss, was unacceptable.
‘You sent me an email instead of talking to me?’
Now, he didn’t even take his eyes off his screen.
‘I prefer communications to be in writing,’ he said. ‘It prevents ambiguity.’
Evie had a fondness for pencils, and there were at least ten, newly sharpened, in a container on her desk. How much effort would it take to shove one in Leo’s ear so that it stabbed him in the brain? Should she test that right now?
‘Hullo, you two. How are you both getting on?’
Keith’s substantial presence loomed over their desks. His smile was paternal, indulgent, as if Leo and Evie were a pair of step-kids recently thrown together in a blended family.
Leo sat up ramrod straight in his chair, and before he’d even opened his mouth, Evie justknewhe was about to tell Keith that she was falling short of expectations. There was only one thing to do – not give him a chance.
‘Leo’s had thisgreatidea,’ she told Keith. ‘Really smart.’
She was gratified on two counts. Leo was rattled. His eyes darted between her and Keith, and she couldfeelhis anxiety. And Keith clapped Leo on the shoulder with his big, meaty hand, making Leo wince.
‘Knew we could count on you,’ Keith told Leo. ‘What’s this smart idea, then?’
‘Uh–’
Evie could practically hear Leo’s brain whirring like a trapped dragonfly, so she took pity and rescued him.
‘Leo knows Double K is all about the customer,’ she said. ‘So, what better way to understand our customers than to spend a day with one of them?’
Keith frowned. ‘You mean – ride along with a turd herder?’
‘One of the good ones,’ said Evie. ‘Like–’ She had a burst of inspiration. ‘Like Dennis!’
‘Den-boy.’ Keith chuckled, fondly. ‘The bog prince.’
‘Dennis will give us the unvarnished truth about our products and services.’ Evie was on a roll. ‘And as Leo says, the experience will give us a real insight into how to tailor our messaging to get the most traction with customers.’
There was a small but weighty pause. Judging by his expression, Keith’s verdict could go either way. Evie crossed her fingers under the desk.
Keith’s face split into a huge grin.
‘I like it.’ He gave Leo’s shoulder another mighty clout. ‘I’ll give Den-boy a call right now and set it up.’
