Rock my world - By Cindi Myers Page 0,37
fun at the time.
But she was serious about this job, and about working things out with Adam. So rather than blow off what was bound to be an uncomfortable conversation, she faced up to the fact that they needed to talk about what had happened in Carl’s office. “I know you’re not too keen on giving up your solo spot in the afternoon,” she said. “But I think we’ll have fun together.”
“I’m sure we will.” He looked up from contemplating his coffee. “Hey, I didn’t mean to come off negative there at first. This is a terrific opportunity for you and I know you’ll do a great job. And I meant what I said about the listeners being ready for a change. They love you.”
“Then what’s the problem?”
He sat forward, both hands wrapped around his coffee cup. “You remember what we talked about, Sunday night? About how two people who work together shouldn’t get involved in a personal relationship?”
So that was what was bugging him. She took a sip of coffee, stalling, and made a face. Urk, it tasted like dirty dishwater. She should know better than to get the last cup. “I remember. But you don’t have to worry about that now.”
“I don’t?” He frowned. “Why not?”
“Because we’ve already proved that being involved with each other off the air makes it that much easier to work together.”
“It does?”
“Sure. Do you think that ‘sexy banter’ that Carl, and the listeners, like so much would have come naturally if we weren’t attracted to each other? It’s because we’re involved that we work so well together.”
“I can guarantee Carl’s not going to buy that explanation. If he finds out the two of us are seeing each other outside of work, we’re both history.”
Her stomach fluttered. “He won’t find out. We’ll be careful.”
He looked unconvinced. “But what happens if things go bad between us? That means the show goes bad, too. Then we’re both worse off than we were before, both professionally and personally.”
“Why are you assuming things won’t work out?”
“I’m being realistic. Most relationships do end at some point. What happens then?”
“I say we worry about that then.” Why borrow trouble by thinking negatively now? “We’re both adults. We can handle it.”
“I thought I could handle Bonnie and it almost cost me my job.”
She debated dousing him with her coffee, but told herself that wouldn’t exactly prove her point. “That’s not fair. I’m nothing like Bonnie.”
He sat up straighter. “You’re right. I’m sorry. But I’ve always tried to keep my personal life separate from my work. Every time I’ve deviated from that, I’ve ended up paying a big price.”
“I don’t see how we’re going to do that if we’re working together every day.”
He looked pained. “I’m saying we need to quit while we’re ahead. What happened at the Furniture Gallery was great. I’ll never forget it. But we need to put it behind us now and focus on work.”
She couldn’t believe she was hearing him right. “You’re serious? You don’t want to sleep with me again? Ever?”
“Keep your voice down.” He glanced around the still-empty room, then turned to her again, his voice softer. “It’s not that I don’t want to. But I think it would be best for both of us if we were friends and co-workers, not lovers.”
He made it sound so simple. Like turning the dial to another channel. “I don’t know whether to feel hurt that you could drop me so easily, or amazed at the way your mind works,” she said.
“Don’t be hurt. And don’t think this is easy for me. But it’s for the best. You’ll see.” He stood. “I have to go get ready for the show. Are you coming?”
“Sure. In a minute.” As soon as she had time to calm down. Right now, all she wanted to do was knock some sense into him.
After he left, she got up and poured her too-bitter coffee down the sink. So Adam thought they should put what happened this weekend behind them. Go on as if it never happened.
How was she supposed to pretend the most amazing sex of her life hadn’t happened? How could she treat Adam as a mere friend and co-worker when he meant so much more to her now?
At least he hadn’t suggested she turn down the job. He must have known how much this chance meant to her. But dammit, why should she have to ignore her feelings for Adam in order to succeed in her career?
There had to be a way