So he can screw up his boss’s life? Not happening. “Great. While Mr. Force is busy, why don’t you give me the short answer to my question?”
“There is no short answer. It requires an understanding of existing trade deals, international politics, and—”
“Don’t sell her short because she’s young, Marcus. She’s smart.”
He huffs, then launches in. “Taiwan and Philippines represent the best pushback to Chinese dominance in the region but…”
I half listen to Marcus and instead watch him fume. Out of the corner of my eye, I see Mr. Force text something else, then glance my way. He looks glassy-eyed and lax. Whatever he took for the pain has started taking effect.
Suddenly, Hunt cuts his explanation short, which is fine. He’s knowledgeable and he understands the nuances of the region better than I do, so I give him props for that, but he’s eyeing Mr. Force so impatiently it sets me on edge.
“If the boss hires you, we can finish this conversation in the office, but I really need to run now. Chad?” He shoulders his way past me and holds out the manilla folder. “If you’ll just sign these, I’ll get out of your hair. It’s paperwork we’ve already discussed.”
“Hmm,” Mr. Force mumbles as his phone dings again.
“Would you like me to handle whoever’s texting so you can focus on the documents?” I offer.
Slowly, he shakes his head. “I got it.”
“Or I could read them to you—”
Hunt whirls on me. “Are you an assistant or a babysitter?”
I have a feeling Mr. Force would normally put his executive in his place for that comment. But now, he’s slumped against the headboard, eyes half-closed, as he sets his cell aside and reaches for the folder.
I try not to panic.
“Well, if you won’t care about his health, Mr. Hunt, I will.” I gently extract the folder full of papers from Mr. Force’s grasp. “Lie down. These will be waiting when you’re awake and alert.”
“He needs to sign them now,” Hunt insists through clenched teeth.
I want to tell him to shut the hell up, but I might get fired before I’m even hired. “Unfortunately, he can’t.”
Mr. Force is slumped against the headboard, lightly snoring.
With a huff, Hunt plucks the papers out of my hands. “I’ll come back when he’s awake.”
“Perfect. I’ll be here.” I smile acidly.
But I’m aware that may not be true. I was just insubordinate with one of Mr. Force’s executives. Since he clearly trusts this person, my behavior may prevent him from hiring me. Sure, I meant to protect him. In fact, I felt compelled to. But how do I explain that? He won’t believe me.
Just then, Mr. Force’s phone buzzes and lights up. The lock screen hasn’t engaged yet. I don’t mean to snoop, but I see it’s a text from Hennessey.
Need to discuss next move for Cap Crossover Index? Available for a call?
I set the phone across the room on Mr. Force’s dresser, where it’s less likely to wake him if Hennessey texts again. Then I kill the light on the nightstand and try to ease him into a more stable reclining position against the headboard.
“Wha…” he murmurs, half-asleep.
“Rest,” I whisper. “I’m taking care of things.”
“’K.” He sighs and falls back into a deep sleep, Hades emerging from under the bed to curl beside him again.
Maybe it’s just as well. I’ve got to start figuring some stuff out, and this will give me time. As much as I hate appropriating Mr. Force’s phone, I need it.
I pluck the device off the dresser, dart into the bedroom across the hall, shut the door, and dial Renee. Thank goodness I know her number by heart.
“Hello?”
“Hey, it’s Savannah,” I explain as I take the brand-new MacBook Pro out of the box and start booting it up.
“Whose number is this?”
“You wouldn’t believe me if I told you. Did I catch you on a break?”
“Nope. Benji let me off early since we weren’t getting much business. I need the money, but I also need to finish vacating the apartment. My coworker Becky says I can crash with her for a few days…but she doesn’t have room for anyone else. I’m really sorry for the way everything has gone.”
“It’s fine. I’ve got it covered.”
“No surprise there. You’re so smart. You always succeed. What’s up?”
“I could use an ear…”
When I fill her in on my job audition, she squeals. “That’s fantastic. You’ll totally get it. He’d be a fool not to hire you, and from everything I hear, Chad Force is no fool. Every year he’s named one of Boston’s most eligible bachelors. Is he as hot in person as he looks in magazines?”
Hotter.
“I’m trying to work for him, not date him,” I point out, because if I encourage Renee at all, she’ll suggest I strip, shimmy my way into his bed, and sex him up.
She’s been my best friend forever, but we don’t want the same things in life. She would never stay in a job that consumed her. Since she’s only passionately invested in having a good time, she works purely to live. She says I live to work, but she doesn’t understand my ambitions. I could never be satisfied without professional achievement, but now isn’t the time to hash out our differences. I need Renee for another skill. She’s great with people and she thinks outside the box. I tend to attack every problem head-on…and too often get smacked down.