“Maybe I’m a wolf in sheep’s clothing.”
Gia took a sip of her grape soda and then asked, “Is this your way of saying you don’t want me to work for you? That’s the worst sales pitch I’ve ever heard.”
Roger answered, “Unfortunately, it’s the truth.”
“Not that I’m not grateful for the . . . offer, but I really need something steady. And there’s no way I could commit to a project. If the right job came along, I’d feel obligated to finish it instead of doing what was best for me.”
A good work ethic was yet another reason he knew the Hendersons would hire her. If it was Caydan, that wouldn’t be an issue. But Caydan was still in Tabiq. Roger wasn’t going to ask if she’d be interested in relocating. His fear was she’d say yes. Things were improving, but it still wasn’t a place he’d send anyone. Especially not someone like Gia. He had a tough exterior, but he was good at reading people. She was fragile inside. Something, or someone, had hurt her.
“I tell you what. Here is my number. If you change your mind, give me a call. I won’t hold you to any restrictions, except one.”
“And what is that?” Gia asked as she took the business card.
“You always do what is best for you.”
She looked at him then smiled. “Deal. But you know I still have no idea what it is you do.”
“I help people.” That was the very short version. How, what, and why didn’t need to be disclosed. At least not to her.
“That’s vague.”
“I work on some very confidential things. The project I’m suggesting would be one of them. You would only be given limited information and asked to research strictly from that.”
“I won’t do anything illegal,” Gia stated firmly.
Roger nodded. “Good. Because I won’t be asking you to. Think about it. If you’re interested, call.”
Gia slipped the card in her purse and said, “I really don’t think I’ll be unemployed that long.”
“I agree.”
“And you’re really okay if I can’t give you a two-week notice?”
“I am,” Roger said. He didn’t want a long-term employee, and this seemed perfect. Gia had already connected with Lena, and he might be able to use that to his benefit. He needed a way into the family besides using Caydan. “Are you married or have a boyfriend?”
Gia arched her brow. “You know that’s illegal to ask a potential employee.”
“I said you wouldn’t be doing anything illegal, never said I don’t work in a . . . gray area.”
“No husband, No boyfriend. How about yourself?”
“Neither. And actually, I’m not looking for either.”
“Then why the question?” Gia asked.
“Because I don’t want anyone to know you’re assisting me. If we are seen together, and I’m forced to introduce you, I might—”
“Say I’m your wife?” Gia asked, her tone high-pitched.
“I was going to say date, maybe girlfriend depending on the situation. Wife is a bit . . . permanent.”
“Oh, you’re one of those.”
He cocked a brow. “Liar?”
“No, noncommittal.”
Roger laughed. “Actually I’m a person who knows what he wants. I’m not opposed to marriage. It’s just not for me.”