Page 83 of Beautifully Ruined
For a moment, a twitch of hesitation hits me. Because I remember what happened with Isaac.
But Joseph’s as far from Isaac as anyone can be, so I do. I slide the Tupperware on his desk.
He reaches for it and offers me one, before taking a bite of the one he selected.
I shake my head. “Thank you, but Cassandra gave me three cookies.”
“Three? Everyone always gets two.”
Heat hits my cheeks. “She offered me one just like you did. But those are yours, Sir.”
“Joseph,” he mutters.
“Joseph.”
He takes another bite. “Tell me, Violet. How do you like working here?”
“I love it. I think I’d like to be Chief of Staff somewhere when I finish my PhD…which I’m doing next.”
“Someone might poach you. I only hear good things.”
The heat burns hotter. “I think I could do both.” I bite my lip, realizing how it sounds. “I wouldn’t be anywhere like in the position of Chief of Staff, which is why I want the proper education and the best internships I can get.”
“Good. Do you think this one is good?”
“Absolutely. I’m learning so much. Everyone’s so nice and helpful. Thank you for the opportunity.”
He checks his watch as he grins and gets up. “Nonsense. No thanks are necessary. You’ve proved yourself more than capable of fulfilling the role. You might be the best intern I’ve ever had.”
The heat changes to a glow of pride, and I want to hug myself, hug him, hug everyone here. “Your words mean a lot. Thank you.”
“Thank you.” He puts the cookies into his satchel and then he gets his coat. “Go home, I’ve got another two meetings, so everyone else here gets to go home.”
I say goodbye and head for the door.
Me:Coming home now.
Cade:Working dinner with Enzo tonight.
Me:About Gianna?
Cade:Yes and other things. I’ll be home when I can.
With a sigh,I tuck my phone away, and I walk back to Cade’s.
It takes me about half an hour, but I enjoy the walk. Hell, I’m even fine with the man I know is following me, keeping an eye on me for Cade. He doesn’t really hide himself and when I waved at him on leaving the office, he scowled.
When I reach Cade’s, my personal guard stands over the other side of the street but when I’m in the loft, I peek out the window, and he’s gone.
Or it’s more likely I just can’t see him.
My phone rings, distracting me.
It’s Lia, and guilt hits.
I answer.
“Lia! I feel horrible that we haven’t met up in over a week.”
