Chapter Two
Eli closed the conference room door. “Where do these need to go?”
“No, really, I can take them. I’ll just order new ones.”
He slid his hand under her hair and cupped the back of her neck to get her full attention. “Listen. This isn’t a big deal. I don’t like how upset you are over this.”
She wiped the tears from her cheek, looked down, and bit her lip. “I just started a few weeks ago, and I’m still trying to figure everything out.”
“What do you do here?”
She shrugged. “I’m not quite sure. My cousin in the computer room got me a job because I just moved here, but I think they made one up for me.”
“Why would they do that, baby?” Eli asked.
“Because they feel sorry for me.”
He could see the embarrassment she tried to hide.
“Show me where we can get rid of these, and then we’ll talk.”
“Really, you don’t have to…”
“Stop arguing.”
She instantly stiffened at the dominance in his tone and nodded. “Okay. This way, sir.”
He followed her down a few hallways until they got to a lounge. Several refrigerators, cabinets, and machines carried different food, from sandwiches, fruit, junk food, and drinks. The counters held expensive-looking coffee makers, microwaves, and other small appliances.
There were about ten tables spaced around the area.
The woman stood by the garbage can with a sad look on her face.
“What’s your name, honey?”
“Kinley.”
“My name is Eli.”
“Hi,” she said shyly.
“Baby, it’s just a few donuts. I want you to stop worrying about it right now.”
The look she gave him made his heart pound. It was such an innocent, trusting expression, and it made him feel ten feet tall.
She nodded.
“Good girl.” He dumped the donuts in the garbage and put the tray in the sink. “What do you have to do now?”
She looked around in confusion. “I’m not sure. I can go ask Mrs. Bennet.”
“Who’s that?”
“She sits at the desk as you’re coming out of the elevator. She helps me with all my questions.”
“That’s good. We all need help, right?”
Kinley nodded. “What are you doing here?” She exhaled. “I’m sorry, that’s none of my business.”
“No, it’s fine. I’m talking with the partners about buying into the business.”