Watch Me (Private Listing #1)

Madison

“Hi again.” Hope’s wide blue eyes and friendly smile make my shoulders sag in relief. She joins me in the elevator. “I don’t get to come up here often.”

“Hi.” With our heels, I’m about five inches taller than Hope’s petite stature.

She grins up at me and fidgets with her hands. “They usually get women who are snarky and barely tolerate me, but you seem nicer.” She peers into my eyes like she can see into my brain if she stares hard enough. “You are nice, right?”

I chuckle lightly. “I hope so. Sorry, I’ve been around men all morning and almost forgot what it’s like to talk with another woman.”

“And what men they are.” Hope’s eyebrows lift. “If they weren’t so intimidating, I would have put in for a transfer when the job opened up again. But I’m pretty sure I’d cry before the end of day one working directly for them.”

“They aren’t that bad,” I automatically defend them. I’ve enjoyed working with them, among other things. Heat stains my cheeks.

She smiles. “I know. I’m just a crier, and I don’t think they’d appreciate it. So, where did you come from?”

“Fletcher University. I just graduated with my MBA.”

Hope’s eyes appear even bigger, as if that could actually happen. “Right out of college? Wow, they are going a different route this time.”

“How long have you worked here?” I ask as we step off the elevator. All the doors are shut, and it feels like my own office. Someone even dragged another chair over beside mine behind the desk. I smile at the thoughtfulness.

“A few years.” She glances at the doors. “The women they usually hire for their assistant are polished to a gleam, with sharp claws and even sharper words. I could tell you were different when Blake brought you by.”

Huh, maybe they craved something different because I’m definitely not polished or mean.

“Well, good. I hope I am.” I sit in my chair and wake up my computer. “Where should we start?”

We spend an hour going through basic queries and reports on the system.

“I’m not sure how late Mr. Wagner wants us to work tonight.” Hope glances at her phone and then at the closed doors. “I mean, it’s your first day. You’re probably exhausted.”

“No one told me how late I should work.” I worry my bottom lip with my teeth. I don’t want to overstay or leave too soon.

“I guess I get to decide.” She perks up and smiles. “I think we should call it quits before your brain explodes with knowledge. We can start again fresh tomorrow morning.”

Hope stands and gestures for me to get up. I glance at the doors. I’m not sure who I should tell, but I should check to see if they want me for more.

“I should?—‍”

“Come with me to get a drink?” Hope’s never-ending smile spreads wider. “Why, I thought you’d never ask. If we don’t leave now, you might be here all night. And no one wants that.”

She tugs my arm, but part of me does want that. To be with them all night. I just had a taste of what could be between us, and I want so much more. If I stay here, maybe that could happen. After hours.

But I also want a friend, and here is Hope trying to be a friend to me. I have one chance at a first impression with Hope and many days and nights to spend getting to know the guys. Decision made, I smile and grab my purse. “Just one minute, okay?”

She shakes her head but holds up one finger.

I go to Seth’s door and knock on it. I wait until I hear “Come in” before I open the door. Seth looks up from his desk and I blush, remembering sitting right there in front of him. His eyebrow cocks and that corner of his lips tries to lift again, like he knows exactly what I’m thinking.

“I was going to head out with Hope for the night.” I gesture lamely over my shoulder.

“How was your first day?” He leans back in his chair. “Does it seem like a good fit?”

My pulse races. “Yes, I think I’ll really enjoy working here.”

“Good. Have a good night. We’ll see you in the morning.” Seth’s gaze returns to his computer screen.

“Good night.” I pull the door shut behind me and turn to meet Hope. We ride the elevator down, and I start toward the bar in the lobby.