Chapter 12

Naturally,my high from the night before disappeared abruptly when Mr.Watkins called me into his office out of the blue at ten in the morning.I hadn’t done anything I could think of to merit a meeting,but,who knew?I hoped it wouldn’t affect my lunch date with Jaiden.

I presented myself with seconds to spare in my boss’s office.He wasn’t scowling at me,which was a first.“Sit down,Alister.”

I sat.

“I’ve heard nothing but good things about the work you did in Finance and how instrumental it was to the company.I think you’re wasted in this department and I have recommended you for the Analyst position that has just opened up in the Finance department.”

I was probably gaping at the man,but he either didn’t notice or didn’t care.

“You will have an interview with the CFO this afternoon at three,and a decision will be made by the end of the day.You may be awkward and socially inept”—gee,thanks—”but you are an excellent analyst,and it’s time you moved on.HR has nothing to offer you and you’ve suffered here long enough.”As I remained speechless,he cracked a smile.“Nothing to say?”

“I-I…I don’t know whatto say,Mr.Watkins.I’ve been feeling a bit restless lately and was considering changing jobs,but this…this is unexpected.”And I would be working in the same department as Jaiden.My heart did a little happy dance at the possibilities ahead.

“You’ve earned it.”He gathered the documents on his desk and stashed them in a folder.“You can go back to your desk.Make sure to have those documents you were working on to me by noon.”

“Yes,sir.Thank you,sir,”I said as I stood and walked to the door.Before opening it,I added,“And I’m really sorry about the incident at the party on New Year’s Eve.”

“I’m in a good mood,Alister.Don’t spoil it.”

“Sorry,sir.”

I closed the door behind me and tried not to skip back to my desk.If I got this job,it would change my life in so many ways.I couldn’t wait to tell Jaiden.I forced myself to focus on the tasks at hand so I could enjoy lunch with my sort-of boyfriend?

When I got a text at twelve-thirty to meet in the lobby,I dashed to the elevators so fast I almost ran into a few people.I laughed at myself as I rode down to the lobby.Had I ever felt this giddy about anything in life?Probably not.

I calmed myself as I walked through the lobby,on the lookout for Jaiden.When I spotted him at the security desk,my calm disappeared once more.Why such a wonderful man ever saw me as dating material,I didn’t know,but I wasn’t about to question it.

“Hey,Jaiden,”I said in greeting.

He turned to me and smiled.“Alister.”With his hand on the small of my back,he led us out of the building and across the street to the Thai restaurant a few blocks away.“I love that tie you’re wearing.Was that one of your purchases on that shopping spree with your roommate?”

“Yeah.I have enough clothes to last me awhile.”Once we were settled in at the restaurant and had placed our order,I said,“Mr.Watkins recommended me for a job in the Finance department.I have an interview at three today.”

“That’s great!”he practically yelled,causing people to turn and stare.“Sorry,I’m just so excited for you.I told my boss about the great work you did and how pivotal it had been for Toronto,and he said that we needed more people like you in the department.”

I blushed.“I appreciate you saying that about me.I hope I interview well.Sometimes I get so nervous,I spout stupid shit and just ruin everything.”

He took my hand in his.“You’ll be fine.Just keep in mind that we’ll be working together,and we may travel,too,since I will sometimes need help with some of the presentations and meetings I have in various cities.”

“Wow,really?I thought I’d just be a desk jockey,though that’s not all bad.”He let my hand go and I sat back as our orders were placed before us.The coconut shrimp smelled divine.

“No.This position has about fifty percent travel,so be prepared for that.There may be some late nights,too,so your beauty sleep may suffer.You hardly need it anyway,as handsome as you are.”

“Charmer,aren’t you?”I said,trying not to blush again.This sort of attention could go to a guy’s head.

“Where you’re concerned,certainly.Tell me if I’m coming on too strong,though.When I’m interested in someone,I’m all in and it can be overwhelming,I’ve been told.”

I smiled.“You’re doing fine so far.”