Arrogant Boss

Her hands traced my chest. “Because I know how people will talk about me being your girlfriend. And I don’t mind-I genuinely don’t, Julian. But I don’t want to be in that environment. And I don’t want to offend you, but…”

“But…?””I’m not much of a techie.” Her voice was apologetic. “I love what you do and I have so much respect for it, same with Turner. And I promise I’ll be the most attentive girlfriend ever. I’ll listen to you talk about all of your projects happily, okay? And I’ll get-”

I broke her off by laughing, shaking her gently by the shoulders. “Emily, don’t worry. I always knew this wasn’t your field.”

“You did?”I raised an eyebrow. “Honestly, Ace, it’s pretty obvious. And it’s not only you. Hell, Josef can’t even send a document to the printers. And you know those regular lunches Rachel has with the software developers?”

“Yeah?”

“It’s just so she can pump them for information. She buys them lunch and they explain all the steps for her.” I grinned. “I’m not offended in the slightest.”

“You aren’t?”

I kissed her again, a slow caress, loving the way she felt in my arms. “As long as you’re with me, I don’t care if you never want to use a computer again in your life.”

Her answering smile was sweet. “I do, you know. Love you.”

I pulled her back for another kiss. “I love you too. And while I’m very happy about this new development between us, do you want to tell me what you want to work with instead? Is there anything I can do to help?”

“I have an idea I’ve been thinking about for the past couple of weeks… it’s a bit of a risk, but I think perhaps I’ve become a risk-taker.”

“Oh?””Yes. I recently met someone who takes wild business risks and has created some surprisingly successful ventures.”

I raised an eyebrow. “You did?”

“Mhm. And without naming any names, he’s inspired me to be braver. To go after what I want.”

“And what do you want?”

She brushed my nose with hers. “I’m going to start my own press and media consulting company. Small-scale, initially, but primarily with a focus on how restaurants can use social media to grow their audience.”

I watched the play of emotions on her face, the hope, the excitement, and the fear. “Ace, that’s a great idea.”

“You think?””Yes. And you already know Michael.”

She grinned. “Exactly! There are tons of things I could try.”

“You’d be self-employed,” I pointed out. “You could work from anywhere. Even a home office.”

“Yeah, exactly. Initially, I’ll probably have to. I have enough savings to tide me over before I start getting proper commissions.”

“You’re going to be absolutely great at this.”

Sparkling green eyes met mine. “Thanks for believing in me.”

I kissed her again. “Always. Thanks for believing in us.”

“Always.”

It was a Monday morning and I was feeling fabulous. When was the last time anyone could say that? I was officially in a relationship and I’d spent the weekend with my three favorite people-Turner, Julian, and Denise.

Denise had been adamant that people didn’t change their status on social media these days, but I still felt the urge to do it. Once Julian and I had made the decision to go official, I wanted everyone to know. My new business idea and the decision to leave a high paying job were absolutely crazy, and the Emily I had been months ago would never have dared.ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

But the Emily I was now? Well, I had a plan for my future, and I was going to do my best to make it come true. It involved a job I enjoyed, a man I loved, and a brother I would cherish through thick and thin.

Julian and I spoke with David at HR together on Friday before leaving the office, just to ensure HR were aware of both my decision to leave the company and of our relationship.

David had taken the news better than I had expected, but I noticed the amused glance he shot Julian. “Now we’ll have to find another press secretary, again.”

Julian had been unfazed. “Worth it,” he’d said.

But telling my co-workers had been the most difficult part. Couldn’t I just send a memo? Sleeping with the bossman and will work my last day in two weeks. Thought you all should know. Coffee at five in the break room?

But no, I had taken the face-to-face route like the responsible adult I was slowly becoming, informing them all at the same time after a meeting.

They had all responded in varying ways. Trent had just given me a little smile and a knowing nod, as if he’d expected nothing else from us. Sasha had squealed, Josef had laughed, and Rachel had been sad that I was quitting. “You are a great co-worker,” she’d said. “Can’t say I’m surprised, though.”

I guess Julian and I must have been less discreet than we thought.

Turner had been first to know, of course.

“So you’re quitting your job.”

“Yes.” I had worried the hem of my blouse between my fingers, unsure of how he’d react. “I want to start working with press more in relation to the food business, but potentially with other businesses as well.”

“Being self-employed?”

“Yes.”Turner had cocked his head. “I think that will suit you.”

“You do?””You’ve always been very self-sufficient. And I know you know all of this tech stuff because of me, mostly.”

“You’d be working at the company without me,” I had said carefully. “I only got the job thanks to you, Turner. And I’m super grateful.”

He had looked intently at a spot just slight above my shoulder and shoved his hands in his pockets. “Emily, I’m an adult. I don’t need you to work in the same building as me.”

“No, I know.” I’d nodded and tried to swallow the flood of emotions rising up in me. My baby brother, all grown.

“Besides, I’m working on a side-project. It’s not like I’ll be at Hunt Industries all my life.”

“Really?””No.”

I’d smiled. “I’m really happy you’re okay with these changes. The most important thing for me is that you’re happy and fulfilled, Turner. That we both are.”

“I know.” He had looked away from me quickly before his gaze returned, shifting his weight from his left to right foot. “I’ve always known that.”

“Good. Because we’re family. And family is all that matters.”

“Yes. Does Julian qualify as family yet?”