Page 21 of Hard to Resist

I wasn’t sure which kind you preferred, so I bought one of everything.

Please be discreet. I’d hate for your staff to discover that I already have a favorite.

You can thank me over dinner tomorrow at seven.

Eric

The corner of my mouth lifts before I can stop it. I press my lips together, as if that can undo the smile, and turn the card face down on my desk. Eric is trying to annoy me until I like him. The worrying part is that it may be working.

The chocolates smell incredible. I choose a dark square from the top tray and bite into it. Soft salted caramel fills the center. It’s exactly what I would’ve chosen for myself.

I check the other trays. There are far too many chocolates for one person, even if that person skips lunch and makes a serious effort.

I put the card in my bottom drawer with the mug and calendar, then call Alfonzo at the bell desk. He arrives a few minutes later and stops when he sees the open box.

“You needed me?”

“Please take these to the staff room.”

“You got us chocolate?”

For one brief moment, I consider saying yes. It would be easier than admitting Voss sent another gift. But it would also be a lie.

“Another gift from Voss.”

Alfonzo grins. Then he notices my expression and quickly tries to hide it.

He lifts the box with both arms and carries it out. Once the door closes, I open a new email and type Eric’s name. I manage to write Thank you before stopping.

This is exactly what he wants. Another reply. Another chance to turn my refusal into a conversation. He already knows my answer.

I delete the draft and open the morning report instead. Eric wants my attention, and I’m not giving him any more of it.

7

RACHEL

On Friday morning, two boxes of cream envelopes arrive at the Hartwell’s front desk. There are enough for every member of staff. Each envelope contains a booklet of prepaid vouchers worth one hundred dollars. They can be used only at businesses on Hartwell Boulevard, including the bakery, theater, florist, café, grocer, and several other shops.

A card is tucked inside each envelope.

Dear Future Neighbor,

Something for the people who make the Hartwell worth having next door. These vouchers can only be spent on Hartwell Boulevard, so every dollar stays on our street.

Eric Voss

The wine could be called a gift. The breakfast could be called a nice surprise. These vouchers are money.

Eric has given every person who works for me one hundred dollars. The envelopes arrived less than an hour ago, and more than half have already been sent to the different departments.

I take one of the remaining booklets and head for the staff dining room. I plan to stop the rest from being handed out and ask everyone to return the ones they’ve received. Laughter reaches me before I open door.

“A hundred dollars. I still can’t believe it.”

“I’m spending mine at the theater.”

“Lucinda already bought tickets for her and her husband.”