Now, Please(20)

“Okay. If it gets me out of work, I’m all in.” I laughed and sipped my drink.

Bruce winked at Hunter. “I’ll owe you one.”

“Well, it’s not like Hunter will be particularly put out.” Rodge laughed good-naturedly. “She’s just an admin, after all. Lovely to have around, but not really integral to the business.”

Rodge had progressed to using cheap shots now, had he? He thought I was useless as well as worthless?

Ordinarily I’d roll my eyes. I didn’t care what a man like him thought. Especially since his admins were probably useless. They were probably pretty, dumb, and eager. He probably paid them next to nothing, too. But if playing the wounded dove got Rodge a sour look, I’d ham it up.

I let the smile melt from my face. Lowering my eyes, I picked at my nail, trying to portray how bad that comment stung. Woe is me, I’m just a lowly admin.

Glancing up through my eyelashes to see if they were buying it would definitely blow my cover. Instead, I tucked a lock of hair behind my ear and hunched my shoulders. I leaned toward Hunter and quietly said, “I think I’ll hit the ladies’ room.”

He stood immediately and pulled back my chair so I could get out. I felt his hand slide down my back as I moved away.

It was irritating that I had to let Rodge think he had got the upper hand. I hated showing him my vulnerability, even just pretending. But if Bruce grew even a little indignant on my behalf, it’d be worth it. Tarnishing Rodge’s character would be the first step toward victory. Hunter and I had to beat that snake of a man.

After I washed up, I made my way back out to the table. I noticed Hunter’s vacant seat right away. I also saw that Bruce sat rigid, looking at his beer. Rodge was smiling and chatting as if nothing had happened.

Both men glanced up when I returned.

“Ah, you’re back.” Rodge beamed up at me. “It’s much more dismal when all the beauty leaves.”

I gave him a placating smile before asking Bruce, “Speaking of beauty—where’s Hunter?”

“Here.” That velvety voice made me shiver as Hunter came around me. He didn’t place his hand on my back, but his eyes delved into me, connecting intimately. “Did you want to head back?”

In confusion, I looked at my beer level. It was still half full. His scotch was, too. I frowned. “Can’t leave fallen soldiers behind.” I met his concerned eyes again and lowered my voice so the others wouldn’t hear. “Why? Are you okay?”

“I’m more concerned about you, Olivia,” he whispered, turning his body to face me, cutting the other two out. “If you’re uncomfortable, we’ll leave right now.”

It dawned on me that Hunter didn’t know I was acting. He didn’t know me well enough to know that someone like Rodge wouldn’t affect me. Nor did he realize the power of a six-figure salary to a poor girl with a bunch of debt. I’d shovel dirt with a smile on my face for six figures. I’d wander around this place and serve coffee—who cared? There were way worse things. Like living on the streets.

“Oh, no. I’m good. Well, my feet hurt a little, but another beer should cure that issue.” I patted him on the shoulder and moved to my seat. He braced his hands on my chair until I was comfortable. Only then did he sit down himself.

“So what would you do with my company, Olivia?” Bruce said with a bright tone as he settled back. His eyes were serious, though.

Maybe I’d hammed it up a little too much…

“I’d probably wander into your IT department and geek out.” I laughed and sipped my drink.

“Yes, you probably would. I’ve spent a lot of time there.” Bruce looked out over the bar. “I have a problem. I have three different voices telling me different things about what they would do, but I have no idea what would be best for the employees.”

“Well, preserving them, certainly,” Rodge said easily, lightly resting a hand on Bruce’s chair to make himself known. I couldn’t tell if he knew he’d dug himself a hole a moment ago.

Bruce glanced at Rodge with a contemplative expression, giving Rodge the platform he needed. Boy did Rodge take it and run. He leaned back and began a long-winded explanation about how he could keep the employees and their expertise, and still grow the company. He talked on and on, using business jargon and patting himself on the back at every opportunity.

My eyes glazed over in boredom and I signaled the waitress. When she showed up, thankfully Rodge paused in his speech, giving me a moment to say what had come into my head. “Keeping on the extra people would mean a long, boring day for those without anything to do. If I was in that situation, I’d go crazy.”