Page 80 of Make It Last

This time, he actually opened his eyes. He lifted his chin and looked at me, and I swear that little rough-around-the-edges cat was telling me he knew I could.

My phone vibrated again.

Josie: OMG. I’ll be over in half an hour. I’m leaving the resort right now. We need to finalize this. I was trying not to pressure you, but I am barely treading water here and we need this. We need you. This is perfect.

I grinned and lifted one hand in the air. “Yay!”

As promised, Josie arrived within half an hour. She knocked lightly before peering in, her eyes twinkling. “Hello,” she called in a singsong voice.

“Come in!” I waved her in.

“That cat is so freaking cute.” She grinned at him as she approached.

I chuckled. As predicted, Growly had relocated to his favorite corner of the couch after I got up to use the bathroom. My pain was pretty much gone, and it had taken real effort not to test the theory and put weight on my foot. Chris’s warnings from physical therapy echoed loudly in my head.

Josie hustled over, pulled a laptop from her bag, and set it on the ottoman.

“All right. I have a salary package and everything.”

“Already?

“I am not an HR person, but I consulted an HR attorney. She drew up a whole plan and then told me I need to hire an HR person.” She gave me a strained smile. “For now, that’s you. Also management. Is that too much for you to take on?” she asked quickly.

“I love being busy. You’re just getting up and running.”

She exhaled. “You have a lot of experience. Boring administration for a medium-sized corporation is still experience. Bigger than what we are, sure, but you can do this.”

“Are you sure you just want to hire me?” I asked, feeling a twist of uncertainty.

“Well, the attorney told me I should call your references.”

I grimaced. “My boss is the woman who had an affair with my ex.”

Josie wrinkled her nose in distaste. “Ohhhh.”

“I’m just being honest. You can call her. She’ll probably give me a good reference. If anything, she’ll give me an amazing one because she’s worried I’ll report them.”

Josie’s eyes gleamed. “I am absolutely calling her.”

“Can I sign the contract before you do that?” I asked quickly. “If she gives me a bad reference, I don’t want you backing out. I haven’t told them I’m leaving yet.”

Josie laughed. “Sign it. Take your time reviewing it. Then give your notice. I’ll call her after.”

She leaned closer, her voice dropping conspiratorially. “I’m going to tell her how amazing you are and how awesome Tanner is. Because if she had an affair with your ex, we already know he’s a dick.” I snorted. “And I’m sure he sucks in bed,” she said with an eye roll.

I froze. “Oh my God,” Josie said slowly. “Did he?”

“Yes,” I admitted. “I thought it was me.” My cheeks burned.

“Tanner, though,” Josie said, nodding. “He’s a good guy. It suits his personality that he’d be good in bed.”

“What?” I sputtered.

“Listen. I’m not into Tanner. Never have been, brotherly vibe and all that. But he’s a follow-through guy. He’s thorough and loyal. If you ask him to plow your driveway, it’s perfect.”

“So I’m the driveway in this analogy?” I eyed her dubiously.

“Yes.” She giggled.