Page 82 of One Night Only
“I’ll owe you.”
“You already owe me. You owe me for like a million things.”
“I’ll give you my desk.” I blurt the words out, immediately regretting them. I’m about to take them back when I catch the look on his face, which goes from incredulous to interested in the blink of an eye.
“Hold on,” he says loudly as the door opens behind us. Whoever it is scampers quickly back out.
I know I’ve got him.
My desk is two inches bigger (he measured it), gets just the right amount of sunlight and is in the perfect place between the air vents so you’re neither too hot nor too cold. Will’s been after it for two years but no matter his bribes (or outright thieving techniques), I’ve never given it up.
I love my desk.
And he knows it.
“When?” he asks.
“Straight after the meeting.”
“Even if it goes badly?”
“You have to try,” I say. “Don’t pull anything embarrassing.”
“Like how you’re pretending you have an assistant?” He rolls his eyes when I just look at him. “Your desk?”
I nod.
“You’ve got yourself a deal.”
We swing by the kitchen to dump the string cheese and then hurry back to reception, by now very late.
They’re standing where I left them. Well, Declan’s not so much standing as he is leaning over the counter, still making Margot giggle. There’s a stabbing sensation in my chest at the sight of them that this time has nothing to do with my bra.
“That’s the guy you slept with?” Will whispers beside me. “Nice.”
“Don’t.”
“I’m paying you a compliment.”
“Here she is!” Margot stands as she spots me, giving me a pointed “you’re late” look. Both the other woman and Declan turn toward me. I was right to be suspicious. He doesn’t look surprised that I’m here. But he doesn’t look like he’s one-upped me either. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say he was nervous.
“I’m sorry to keep you waiting,” I say with a bright smile. “I was on a call. You must be Mika.”
The woman steps forward with a firm handshake. “My partner, Declan Murphy.”
“It’s nice to meet you,” I say as he opens his mouth.
He hesitates and I hold my breath but it’s only for a moment before he smiles. “You too.”
Will clears his throat loudly behind me. I try not to glare at him.
“My assistant, Will,” I say.
“Hello!” he says with exaggerated cheerfulness. Margot frowns at the two of us.
“I didn’t know Will was joining you,” she says, sounding confused. “I’ll get some more chairs.”
“Don’t worry,” I say smoothly. “Will can get them.”
