saying, he isn’t going to be your best friend, but that doesn’t mean he’s your enemy. George wasn’t your best friend and you never talked shit about him.”
“Because George wasn’t an asshole,” she asserted.
I could see her growing more frustrated. I needed to back off or the whole damn staff would walk out on me. “I understand,” I said. “I really do, but please try and remember he is the boss.”
“I can’t forget that, but I don’t like him, Saige. I can’t see myself ever liking him.”
“I can accept that,” I said. “But please do me a favor?”
“Do not ask me to get that man coffee or anything else like that.”
I laughed. “Definitely not. I’m asking you to keep the shit-talk to yourself. You know how hard it is to keep morale up. Nash isn’t going to be here all the time. It’s still our office and we have a great staff. I don’t want to lose anyone else. You have to help me keep up the morale.”
“Fine, I won’t say anything about Mr. Dick.”
“Lana!”
She laughed. “Sorry, I don’t like him and that isn’t going to change.”
“And one more thing,” I said. “I need you to squash any talk about him. Don’t feed the mob mentality. Please.”
“Is that what you’re doing?” she asked.
I winked. “I suppose I am. Now, enough of that. How’s your son?”
“He’s good. Yours?”
It wasn’t like I could say he was doing awful. “He’s good. Anxious for summer.”
“Aren’t we all?” she said with a sigh. “I’m going back to work like a good little worker bee. If butthead comes in, I’ll be on my best behavior.”
“Thank you,” I said with a laugh.
Once she left my office, I let out a long sigh. This was not good. I wanted to leave Nash with a good company. I did not want it falling apart a week after I left—and I was going to leave. It was strange to think I felt some kind of loyalty for Nash. I shouldn’t. He was still the same guy he’d always been.
“Dammit,” I muttered.
I hated that I did feel like I had to protect him. I didn’t want to be the one singing his praises. People would suspect there was something more between us. I was overthinking everything. I pushed aside all thoughts of him and focused on work.
At least I tried to focus on work. I couldn’t stop thinking about him. Him staying away from the office was the best thing that could happen. At least it would be if I didn’t want him in my life. He could walk away. That was fine, but I had to clear the air.
I got up and walked out of my office. “Everyone, can I have your attention please?” I shouted to be overheard.
“What’s up?” Lana asked.
“Go home,” I announced. “We’re done for the day. Let’s take advantage of a lull in business.”
Lana laughed. “Let’s not wait for her to change her mind!” Lana hollered.
It was only an hour early, but I was glad it was making them all so happy. I had an ulterior motive. I pretended to be packing up while I waited for everyone to clear out. Nash wouldn’t answer my calls, but I knew another way to get him to talk.
I walked to the alarm system and pushed the button for fire. It would send an alert to his phone. I knew Nash well enough to know he’d show up like he could put it out himself because that was the kind of man he was. He was certain he was that powerful.
I walked back to my office to wait for him.
Chapter 54
Nash
Davin brought me the club soda I ordered. “You’re sure this is what you want?”
I nodded and took a sip. “Yes. I need to pace myself.”
“Why?” he asked with confusion. “Since when did you pace yourself?”
“Since I wanted to,” I shot back.
He leaned his elbows on the bar. “Why are you here?”
“Because I own the place,” I replied.
“No, but why are you here? I thought you moved your office. You haven’t been here in forever.”
“I’m back.”
He gave me a strange look. “Oh shit, what did you do?”
“Nothing. The busy season is over. There’s no reason for me to devote all my time to the tax firm. I have other important projects that need my attention.”
He shook his head. “Bullshit. You pissed her off.”
“I did not.”
“Liar. What happened?”
There was no point in hiding anything from him. He always seemed to find out. “She got pissed at me because her kid