I open my mouth but close it. He doesn’t have to know we spent the weekend together, or that she’s waiting for me.

“We have to have a long talk with her,” he says. “We can’t ignore what happened just because she’s good but—”

“Claire is better than most of our employees,” I say. “This is something she would’ve come up with. I get it, your boy Gary came up with it—but if you look closely—it copies some of your superstar’s concepts.”

“Spending a day with her doesn’t make her your best friend. You can’t give her preferential treatment.”

Fuck, he’s right.

What if I really go soft on her or fire someone because they aren’t treating her right?

Just a few minutes ago, I wanted to rip Gary’s testicles for being honest. Claire isn’t an easy person. She has good reasons, but still, it’s a fact.

I look at my phone, earlier I was tempted to call the hotel to check on her. I mean, it’s her birthday and I promised to make it the best day ever. Everything is set though. She’ll have a good day.

Looking around, I convince myself I’ve worked pretty hard all my life to be where I am at and getting distracted by a woman isn’t worth it. Not even a woman like Claire.

“Sir, here’s everything you need. Since we have another hour,” Gary says, as he enters the conference room. “Why don’t I show you what I have in mind for the other two accounts.”

“We have time,” Devon says. “They aren’t due for a couple of weeks.”

“I understand, but if you think they might work, we can polish them and have Claire work on the last-minute stuff.”

I nod, and when he finishes, I’m pleased with what he shows us. He’s learned a lot from us, and his work shows. I decide not to fly back to Cancun and work with Gary this week. It’s better this way, whatever I work out with Claire will include keeping my distance from her during the week.

This company and my employees deserve my full attention.

Seventeen

Claire

A year shy of thirty and I'm learning a few new things.

Men can be unselfish in bed. I love sex. Sex is my new thing. At least, sex with Miller Archer is not only good for my physical condition but for my soul—and my libido.

After four nights with him, I can testify it works better than vitamins, self-help books, or yoga. Sign me up for another week, a month or…I could even do this for a year.

“Forever,” I mumble.