Page 22 of Mine to Love
Lips that voiced insulting words to me, I remind myself. Keeping my back to my new boss, I continue counting my drawer and typing numbers into my computer.
“You good, Amanda? I can take the drawers back to the vault.”
“I’ve got it.” Logan picks up Amanda’s drawer. “You can clock out now. Have a good night.” Coming from someone else, the dismissal could have been interpreted as rude. Logan has a way of smiling just enough to not appear overly friendly, but not so tight as to appear fake.
A typical businessman. Not that I know what typical is.
“We don’t let our employees walk out alone at night. Acadia Falls is safe, but we have the buddy system,” I tell Logan without meeting his eyes. Instead, I focus on the scratch on his cheek. I hadn’t realized my nail went so deep. That wasn’t my intent. “Wait for me, Amanda. I’ll go with you.”
“I’ll walk Amanda to her car. I need a few minutes to talk with you, Reese.” This time his tone is snipped.
I swallow and roll my shoulders back. Amanda’s eyes grow wide and apologetic.
“I have an appointment and can’t stay late,” I lie, taking Amanda’s drawer back.
“It’ll only be a minute.”
I push past him and head toward the vault. Amanda scurries after me. “I can wait in my car for you.”
“I’ll be okay.”
“He seems kinda scary right now. You don’t think he’s going to lay you off, do you?”
The possibility does cross my mind. “I don’t know.”
“I’ll wait,” Amanda says as we locked up the cash.
“That’s sweet of you, but I’ll be okay. Go home to the kids. I’ll see you in the morning.”
Logan is waiting for Amanda by the front door, and escorts her to her car. While they are gone, I take out my purse and coat and turn out most of the lights.
A rush of cool air precedes Logan as he enters the lobby.
When he doesn’t speak, I sigh and put on my coat. “I have to go.”
“Wait. Reese.” He takes two steps toward me, and I take two steps back.
Logan holds up his hands in retreat. “I want to apologize for the way I acted.”
An apology is not what I expected. Still, I’m not ready to talk to him. “Okay.” I slip into my coat and move around the two wingback chairs to avoid brushing against him. I get all the way to the door before he speaks again.
“Reese. Can we talk about what happened?”
“No, we can’t, Mr. Pierce. One thing we do agree on is not mixing business with pleasure.” I turn slightly and give him a curt nod. “You’re my boss. You’re also about to be my best friend’s brother-in-law. I’m very good at compartmentalizing my...life. You don’t need to worry about me ruining your perfect reputation.”
With that, I give the door a shove, not caring that I’m breaking company protocol by walking to my car by myself. I’m pretty sure Logan has me in sight. In fact, as I pull away from the bank, I glance up to the rear-view mirror and see his tall silhouette in the entryway doors.
***
I’M THANKFUL FOR MY full inbox and the long list of reports Doug has waiting for me. Being buried in work is the only thing keeping me from thinking about Reese twenty-four-seven. The more I try to convince myself she isn’t my type, the more I find I like how opposite we are.
Maybe the adage is true. Opposites attract. At least, they do on my side. I’m pretty sure Reese can’t stand me. Holden and Emerson’s wedding is in two weeks. Hopefully that’s enough time for Reese to forgive me. The last thing I want is to make a scene at my brother’s wedding.
I won’t, but I’m not sure about Reese. There’s a fire inside of her that’s growing on me. I rub my cheek, the wound now mostly healed. I like how she stood up for herself and for her father.
A strong woman is sexy.
And Reese is one hundred percent strong.