Page 17 of My Ex for Christmas
Thiago chuckles. “This is only our third interview. Have faith.”
That’s easy for him to say. Although Thiago certainly isn’t like some guys who do shit all and leave everything up to their employees, there’sa lotthat goes into running this place—and all his other business ventures—that he doesn’t know about. Because I take care of it.
When he decided to take this resort on, it was with the intention of having a place to relax. He’s already doing more than he was supposed to, helping me find a new manager. The whole purpose of my being here is to take the weight of this place off his shoulders, and I’m happy to do it. I won’t deny that I’m compensated well for it.
Thiago turns to look out the window, admiring the snow as it comes down. When I’m inside and warm, it’s easy to forget about the sub-zero temperatures and enjoy the beautiful scene.
“You seem distracted today,” I say, eyeing my boss.
He straightens, spinning to face me again. “Distracted?”
“Yes.” I raise a brow. “I can continue conducting the interviews by myself if you’re preoccupied.”
“And what would I bepreoccupiedwith?”
“I don’t know, you seemed pretty fazed when I caught you in here with Opal earlier.” I shrug. ‘“She’s cute.”
When I arrived in the office for our interview, I found Thiago speaking with one of the resort’s bakers. I’ve spoken with Opal a couple times since she was hired, but I was surprised to find her with my boss. Well, I guess he’s technically her boss, too.
Thiago waves a dismissive hand. “You should be resting,” he says, clearly trying to change the subject.
“Is that an order?” I ask.
“Yes. I don’t want to see you working until at least tomorrow.”
“Fine,” I say with a huff.
He smiles, ignoring my attitude. “Have a good afternoon, Hadley. Feel better.”
Once I gather my things, I start making my way back to my suite. Putting on my pajamas and crawling into bed soundsheavenlyright now. I don’t want to think about dinner. Though after the lunch I had, I don’t even feel hungry.
Because the kitchendidtrack me down at lunch, as Brooks had requested. And after a plate of gourmet grilled cheese and a bowl of tomato soup, I’m liable to be satisfied until breakfast.
Pushing inside my suite, I set my bag down by the door and kick off my shoes. And because today has been somewhat crappy, and because I’m hopped up on cold medicine, I decide to pull out my phone. Temporary insanity is the only explanation for what I do next.
Having a bad day. Say something to make me feel better.
I chew on my bottom lip as I wait for him to respond.Fuck, why did I say that? There has to be a way to unsend a message. As I fumble with my phone, those three dots pop up, indicating that he’s typing.
I let out a relieved breath when his message comes through.
Brooks
What do you get when you cross a snowman with a vampire?
What?
Brooks
Frostbite.
Is that supposed to be funny?
Brooks
I know you laughed, Hads. You always laugh at my jokes.
Despite myself, I do laugh. Not because the joke is particularly funny, but because it’s Brooks. From the time I met him, he has always been able to make me smile, even on days I don’t feel like it.
