Page 23 of Resisting the Temptation
I brush the thought away as Derek continues, “One day, we got on the elevator to leave at the same time, and the power went out.” I gasp, and Derek chuckles. “We were stuck in there for three hours because the outage was city-wide, and the fire department couldn’t get to us any sooner. She’s claustrophobic, so she started having a panic attack as soon as the elevator stopped, and I had no idea what to do other than hold her and walk her through some breathing exercises. I’d never seen her so… vulnerable. The bubbly girl I knew was a mess, sobbing into my dress shirt, and my heart split right open for her.
“Once she calmed down, we spent the next few hours getting to know each other, and by the time we were rescued, we already had a date set up. I knew at the end ofour first date I wanted to make her my wife. We’ve been married almost fifteen years now.”
“That’s so beautiful. I love hearing stories like that. Makes my jaded heart believe I could have a love like that someday.”
I may imagine it, but I swear Derek’s eyes dart to Ben before they settle back on me. “Well, don’t let one bad apple spoil the whole bunch. There’s someone for everyone. Sometimes they’re the person you least expect—or want.” Derek checks his watch. “Thank you for the lovely lunch, but I’m afraid I have to get back to the office.”
“Oh, but we didn’t get to talk about—”
“I’ll be calling you when we have our next project finalized. I like your ‘vibe,’ as the kids say, and I’d love to have you working on it, Emma.”
My mouth opens and closes, surely looking like a fish before a big smile takes over my face. “Thank you, Derek. I’d be honored to work with you.”
We all stand and shake hands then promise to do this again soon before Derek leaves the restaurant.
Ben pays for our lunch on the company card, and we silently get back into the truck and make our way to the office.
I’m buzzing with excitement from Derek wanting to work with me, but I keep my excitement internal so I don’t upset Ben, who seems broodier than usual.
When we’re back, everyone crowds into the doorway of my office to ask how lunch went.
I give them a brief rundown, not that there’s much to say other than, “He said he wants to work with me when their next project is finalized!”
Enzo claps me on the shoulder. “Congratulazioni, mi cara!That’s amazing news! I’m so proud of you.”
My eyes burn with happy tears at the praise from Enzo, but I blink them back so I don’t embarrass myself. “Thank you, Enzo. I’m really excited for this opportunity.”
Drew, Alex, and Dave offer their congratulations as well, then leave me to finish out the workday in peace.
I can't help but feel a little disappointed Ben didn’t congratulate me, too. Even when he had the opportunity to do so in private on the way back to the office.
I shake my head, I don’t need his approval or his praise.
Even if I want it.
Chapter 12
Ben
The next day, before Emma comes in to work, Alex and Drew invade my office, plopping down in the two chairs across from my desk.
“What do you two want?” I snap.
“Wow, someone put extra asshole powder in your coffee today,” Alex teases, and I shoot him a withering glare.
Unfortunately, they know me well enough to not be afraid of me, which only upsets me more because I want to be left the hell alone before I spend the day surrounded by Emma’s presence.
“Just tell me why you’re here, please. I’d like to get this bid placed before the end of the day so I can enjoy my weekend and not worry about work.”
Drew scoffs. “Please, Ben, you always worry about work.”
“Anyway,” Alex says before I can respond, “we’re both curious about why you were an asshole to Emma yesterday after shefinallygot us a job with Allridge.”
“I don’t think she earned it.” Not a total lie, but it’s not the whole truth. “I think Allridge took one look at her and liked what he saw.”
Drew’s brows furrow. “I honestly don’t think he’d give a big project to someone based on looks.”
“Rossi Construction has a good reputation for quality work,” I grunt.
