Page 13 of Restored By the Mountain Man
Alex turns his head. “Hey, boss. Nice to see you around.”
“I’m always around,” I deadpan, letting the silence linger before I ask him, “Where’s the inventory list for this week?”
He blinks a few times before straightening. “I told Brenda I’d have the final list tomorrow.”
“Am I supposed to wait for Brenda to send those over? Seems more efficient to have those sent directly to me.”
What the fuck am I saying?I’ve never had an issue going through Brenda each week. I almost prefer it. Alex grates on my nerves. His confusion is evident as his eyes bounce between me and Zoe, who stands calmly, watching the interaction.
Zoe chimes in, and I hate the satisfaction I feel immediately at her subtle body language that leans closer to me, away from Alex. “I wanted to discuss some additions to SOPs. I believe if we can implement them, they could benefit the flow of production before the holidays.”
Alex takes a step closer to her and lowers his voice. “You available for lunch? I’d love your take on–,”
“She’s not.” My voice leaves no room for discussion. Both of them study me, waiting. Ignoring him, I turn to her. “Wild EarthFarms contacted me. I need you to accompany me this weekend. If you have a moment, I’d like to discuss it.”
She doesn’t hesitate. “Absolutely. Now is perfect. Shall we?”
I almost grin seeing Alex’s slight frustration at both of our dismissals. Instinct has my hand settle at the base of her back, walking us past a stunned Alex. The temptation to glare at him in passing stuns me. But the feel of her body, coming through the silk blouse tucked into her wide-legged slacks, has my focus.
She hasn’t pulled away. If I’m not mistaken, she practically leans into my touch.
Shit, I’m in trouble.
Closing my office door behind us, I motion to the couch across the room from my desk. She demurely sits on one end. I sit on the other. She patiently waits for me to guide this.
Clearing my throat, I turn my body toward hers. “Francisco’s family has owned Wild Earth for three generations.”
“Their reputation is stellar,” she says, her enthusiasm building. “Small town, loyal neighbors. Laurel and I have wanted to go to their infamous seasonal festivals. Isn’t their Fall one coming up?”
“I believe so. This weekend is extremely important. I value integrity, and this family farm has it in spades. I need our QA with me to assess the production, test the grain, and together, we finalize the deal.” This is a big ask. Technically, I could take Nash with me. I don’t need a Quality Assurance manager with me.
But I've committed to this. Gotta see it through. Part of me hopes she turns me down.
“I’m honored to be trusted so soon with such a huge decision. Who else would be coming?” she asks.
Shit.
“Just you and me.” Silence swells. “Separate rooms. Strictly a business trip. We’d head out Saturday morning. Five am. I’d pick you up.”
“I have my rental–,” she begins.
“Waste of gas. Taking two cars for a four-hour trip. Two nights. We head back to Eden Ridge Monday morning. You’ll have the rest of the day off.”
The more word vomit spews from my mouth, the greater the anxiety. Glutton for punishment, it seems. Or maybe, I want to prove this energy between us isn’t real. A business trip will quickly evaporate the novelty of being around her. And I can get back to my predictable existence.
“Alright.” She sits up. “I’m game. If you could send me the details regarding the merger, I’ll prepare a presentation mapping out expectations and regulations. Would it be alright to contact their offices to gather what we need?”
Why did she have to stir my mind and body? I’d hate for this to get so out of control, and I end up firing her like a coward to escape her because she’s so damn good. Those deep brown eyes spark to life when she’s passionate. Her full lips, slightly glossed with some tint, part as her fingers fly over her tablet, marking notes.
The impulse to grab the back of her neck and pull her in for a kiss overwhelms me. I abruptly stand and walk over to lean against my desk. Distance.
Her hand hovers over her tablet as she watches me. A question in her expression.
“Have Cynthia give you access to anything you need. You’re free to contact Wild Farms. I trust you.” I didn't mean to say that, but it's true.
Her smile lights up this whole damn room. It’s uncomfortable, but you want to soak in it because you know once the initial sting fades, it’ll feel real good.
Standing, she holds the tablet against her chest. “Alright, boss. I’ll email you by end of day.” She turns to leave but hesitates before facing me again. “Have you ever been?”
