ADDICTED

12

"Her assistant usually joins," he replied.

"Oh, I see."

He cleared his throat. "So, what do you think of the city?"

"Well, I can't say I've seen much of it."

"Fair enough."

"How long do these dinners usually last?"

His green eyes flashed to me, stunning me with their raw intensity. It seemed like his entire being was wrapped up in those eyes. Every emotion, thought, and conviction emitted from them. He was terrifying and alluring, reeling in my attention and trapping it.

"A few hours," James said.

I withheld my groan.

"We do have a meeting in the morning, don't forget."

"If you're insinuating that I would miss the meeting due to my extracurricular activities, rest assured I'll be there. I've never been late to a professional meeting in my life, Mr. Muller."

He looked out the window and remained quiet.

We arrived at the restaurant twenty minutes later. I realized we could have walked and made better time, but I wasn't going to complain. Joan had chosen a swanky tapas bar.

We found her and her assistant seated at a high-top table near the bar. I noticed James unbutton the top of his shirt and tug at the collar.

"Nervous?" I asked, nudging him.

He briefly glanced at me through his side eye. "Never."

"Mhmm, okay."

"James and Leah," Joan spoke affectionately as we neared the table. "Don't you two look charming tonight?"

"Joan," James greeted with a nod, lightly pecking her cheek.

I offered a hand and Joan kissed the back of it. Her eyes hazily met mine. A chill shot down my spine that reminded me far too much of Anne.

"Meet my assistant, Danielle."

I reached for the much younger woman's slender hand. Her glossy, black hair was cut short at the shoulders, and her dress cut steeply down her chest. She raked her eyes up and down my body before settling on my face. There was a smug tilt to her painted mouth.

"Nice to meet you," I said.

"Charming, indeed." Danielle sent her boss a tight-lipped smile.

I looked at James. He appeared to be fixated on the drink menu.

"And how are you, Mr. Muller?" Danielle asked.

"The same as always, Danny."

She smiled. "Of course. Your assistant is new, though."

My blood seemed to get hotter and hotter in my veins. I could feel the slow, enraged push of my pulse through my wrists. I'd dealt with plenty of women like Danielle in my time. Whether she was envious of me or simply enjoyed belittling other women, she was the same as the others.

I decided I wouldn't let people push me around after Jarrod. I'd be strong for myself.

"I'm not his assistant," I asserted, burning my gaze into the slender woman. "I mean, I am technically, but I am far over-qualified."

She arched a brow. James set his menu aside, suddenly interested in the conversation.

Clearing her throat, Joan said, "Care to elaborate, Leah? I was under the assumption you were."