Faking Ms. Right (Dirty Martini Running Club #1)(84)

“I wasn’t trying to say goodbye,” he said, caressing my cheek. “Not exactly. I was formulating a plan B. Wondering how long it would take to buy a private jet. I wasn’t going to let you get away so easily.”

I smiled and he leaned down to seal his lips over mine. I melted against him, tossing my arms around his neck. He wrapped me in his strong arms and lifted me off my feet.

“Congratulations,” he whispered into my ear. “I’m so proud of you.”





35





Everly





I already knew Sophie was perfect.

Shepherd and I had interviewed several other candidates for my replacement, but from the moment Sophie had walked into the room, I’d known. Why? The fact that she hadn’t balked when Shepherd stared at her, like a scary unblinking robot, while she introduced herself said a lot.

We’d interviewed a guy this morning who’d wilted so fast under Shepherd’s gaze, we hadn’t even gotten to the questions before he’d excused himself. His hands had been shaking so badly, he’d barely been able to get the door open. And he hadn’t come back.

I’d almost told Shepherd to tone it down—he was scaring away the good applicants. But I’d thought better of it. Whoever we hired was going to have to face those cold blue eyes on a regular basis. If they didn’t have the spine to stare him down in an interview, they’d never last as his assistant.

Sophie was holding her own.

Her dark blond curls were pulled up in the cutest bun, and she wore a tasteful blue dress with a cream cardigan that looked great on her curvy frame. She smiled pleasantly and quickly adjusted her glasses.

“I think that’s all the questions we have for you,” I said. “Shepherd, do you have anything else?”

“No.” He pushed her resume toward me, picked up his phone, and started checking his messages.

I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. But Sophie didn’t seem fazed. She reminded me a little bit of—well, me. I had a feeling she was the type of girl who came across as nice and sweet, which made people underestimate her.

I also had a feeling she’d be the one who could handle Shepherd Calloway.

Being with me hadn’t changed who he was. He was still stoic and serious. Still appeared cold and unfeeling, especially at work. Not many people got to see the Shepherd on the inside. The guy who could shred on a bass, whose rare smiles made my knees weak, and who loved it when I left bite marks on his chest.

He had four right now. I’d counted them this morning as I kissed them better.

“Thanks for coming in.” I stood and shook Sophie’s hand. “We’ll be in touch soon.”

“Thank you for your time, Ms. Dalton,” she said. “Mr. Calloway.”

Shepherd’s eyes flicked to her, but he didn’t reply. Just gave her the tiniest of nods, then went back to his messages.

Sophie turned to leave and the door flew open, hitting her right in the head. She stumbled back, clutching her forehead. Shepherd stood, and I grabbed her shoulders to steady her.

“I’m so sorry.” It was Nina, the front receptionist. “I thought you were interviewing in Mr. Calloway’s office. I didn’t know anyone was in here. Are you okay?”

“Yes, I’m fine,” Sophie said, and I could hear the dejection in her voice as she rubbed her forehead. “It’s probably my fault.”

“No, it was totally me.” Nina seemed to realize Shepherd was still in here. Her eyes landed on him and she paled. “I have to get back to the front. I’ll find another conference room for the marketing team.”

Nina scurried away. I still had my hands on Sophie’s shoulders. I felt her take a deep breath and straighten her spine.

“Are you sure you’re okay?” I asked.

“Yes.” She took a step and turned. “I’ll be fine. Thanks again for your time.”

I leaned a little closer and lowered my voice to a whisper. “Don’t worry. That didn’t ruin it.”

She gave me a bright smile. “Thanks.”

“We’ll be in touch.”

Sophie left and I gathered up the resumes we’d collected.

“That was the last one. What do you think?”

“We’ll hire Sophie.”

I agreed, but I was surprised he’d made the decision so fast. “Really?”

“She’s the obvious choice. Don’t you think so?”

“I totally do, I’m just surprised you decided that fast.”

“She’s experienced and well-qualified. She interviewed well. And I don’t hate the sound of her voice.”

I laughed. “That’s your criteria? Is that why you hired me? You didn’t hate the sound of my voice?”

Pocketing his phone, he looked me in the eyes. “No. You were the best for the job and I didn’t hate the sound of your voice.”

I slipped my arms around his waist. It didn’t matter that the door was still open and anyone walking by could see. In fact, Steve walked by, right then. He paused and gave me a dramatic wink. I had no idea why. Shepherd and I were no secret. Everyone knew that we were dating and I’d moved in with him. People probably thought I’d taken a new job because of our relationship—which was both true and false. But it didn’t matter what they thought.