Page 58 of Smokey's Distraction
“Ever since I read about it in the guidebook, I’ve been wanting to try it. It’s in the top twenty list of best burgers in the country,” Ashley took a sip of her chocolate milkshake. “I’m going to have to do a few extra miles of biking after this lunch.”
Nicole laughed. “What about me? I have to try on bridesmaid dresses tomorrow. Mariah’s going to kill me, but this is worth it.”
“You could afford to put on a few extra pounds. You look thinner than when I last saw you. What’s going on?”
“Work. I keep thinking I’m going to screw up this new job.” She grimaced. “I know I’m being paranoid, but I feel like a fish out of water. Maybe I bit off more than I could chew.”
“No way. You’re smart as hell. A new job is always a bit scary. I still stress over big accounts and whether a client’s going to like what I propose. You just need time to get comfortable.”
“I’m sure you’re right. I’d feel better if I’d landed this job right out of college. Waitressing and working at a dress salon didn’t exactly prepare me for working at an architectural firm.” Picking up her root beer, she took a long sip.
“But you were interning at different firms. There’s no way Cushing Architecture would’ve hired you if they didn’t think you were a good fit. They’re one of the top fifty firms in Denver.”
“That’s true. I’m still reeling from getting the job. I’m sure in six months or less, it’ll be routine. How do you like working at a construction firm? And how’s it going with your new boss? Danielle wants every detail”—Nicole picked up her burger—“and so do I.”
Tilting her head back, she groaned. “I’m doing a shitty job of being a professional.” She met Nicole’s gaze. “I’ve never had a problem with keeping my work separate from my personal life, but …”
“Mr. Sexy is too sexy, right?” Nicole giggled. “I think your rule of not getting involved with men at work is crazy, especially for you since all you do is work. I mean, where else are you going to meet a man?”
“Having a relationship with someone at work makes everything more complicated. I’m vying for partner, anyway, so it’s not like I have a lot of time. Besides, I’m workingforMr. Sexy right now. If he doesn’t like what I’m doing, he can pull the plug. I don’t want to compromise the contract with my firm.”
Reaching across the table, Nicole stole a handful of fries from Ashley’s plate. “Sounds like a lot of rationalizing to me. Taking a chance in the man department once in a while wouldn’t kill you.”
“I don’t agree. Nothing ever good comes of crossing that line. So he’s handsome—a lot of men are. I’m a sucker for bad boys, but this one isn’t only my boss. He drives me crazy.”
“Then this should be a no-brainer, right?”
“Not necessarily, because the irrational part of me wants to just say ‘fuck it’ and throw caution to the wind.”
Just as Nicole was raising the glass to her lips, she stopped, her eyes dancing with amusement.
“Damn, girl—you’ve got it bad for him. I’ve never seen you like this with any man before. This is great.”
A frown pinched the space between her brows. “No, it’s not. I’ve been acting like a girl with a crush, and it’s embarrassing.”
“Don’t be so hard on yourself. It’s okay to ogle and fantasize about your boss.”
“I’ve done one better—I’ve kissed him.” Groaning, she covered her face with her hands.
“No damn way! You’ve kissed Mr. Sexy and you’re just telling me thisnow?”
“Not so loud.” Ashley looked around. The other diners were engrossed in their own conversations, paying them no mind.
“Did you kiss at the office?” Nicole whispered.
“No. Once in a diner’s parking lot and then later on the front porch a few nights ago, and yesterday I bumped into him in Glenwood Canyon.” She stirred her milkshake with the straw. “And to make matters worse, he’s an amazing kisser. What the hell am I going to do?”
“You’ve been working too hard for too long if you have to ask. I say go for it.”
“But I’m not looking for any complications.”
Nicole laughed. “What’s complicated about having a fling with your hot boss? You already know it’ll be temporary since you’re only here for a few months. Hell, you might as well have some fun.”
“What I forgot to mention was, Mr. Sexy is quite the Casanova, and I just don’t want to be another one of his conquests. Women are drawn to him like bees to honey.”
“Do you feel that way?” Nicole popped the last bite of her burger into her mouth and chewed.
“It’s more like a moth to a flame.” Pushing her plate away, Ashley placed her elbows on the table and cupped her cheeks in her hands. “I’ll figure it out.”
