We don’t know each other well enough, Jack. I thought I knew Lionel … I can’t – no, I won’t go through that again.” He frowned briefly before he sighed. “I’m not going to change your mind, am I?” She seriously wanted him to, but she couldn’t ignore the Lionel factor. “No.” “How about friends?” “I’d like that.” He leaned forward. “Just one last kiss,” he murmured. “Just one,” she agreed. The kiss was soft, sweet, and oh so luscious. Bridget didn’t want it to end. She felt it right down to her toes. When they eventually parted, Jack cleared his throat and got to his feet. “I’d better go.” She nodded. If she spoke, she’d ask him to stay. He grabbed Hal’s car keys from the table. “Tell Hal to give me a call if he needs to be picked up tomorrow.” “Sure.” She followed him to the front door. “Drive safely.” It was an inane thing to say but they both knew what she meant. She closed the door before he drove away. She couldn’t watch him do that. She went into her bedroom and flopped on to the bed. She’d done the right thing. She was sure of it. She just wished she didn’t feel so awful.
Chapter 9 “So spill,” Carly said as she got into the car the next morning. Bridget handed her the jewelry box, hoping to distract her. It worked for a couple of minutes as her sister oohed and aahed over it and then turned back to Bridget. “Why were you out with your boss yesterday?” She focused on the traffic. “He’s Tanya’s boyfriend’s brother. Tanya thought it would be good to do something together.” “Didn’t you say that guy you met a couple of weeks ago was named Jack?” Carly never forgot details. Damn it. “Same guy.” Carly turned to face her. “The guy you told Mama about is your new boss?” “Yeah. What a coincidence, right?” “Oh, chiquita . I’m sorry. What are you going to do?” “Nothing. Last night I told him about Lionel. We’re going to be friends.” “If you told him about Lionel he must mean something to you.” “It doesn’t matter, Carolina. I’m not risking myself that way.” Bridget had made her decision. She didn’t need anyone making her doubt it now. “What’s Jack like?” Carly wasn’t going to let it drop. “He’s nice. He listens to my suggestions at work and got the financial approval for those issues I was telling you about.” That distracted her sister. “Really? You’ve been trying to get that approved for months.” “I know. He went into the management meeting, outlined the issues, and Kevin told him to call the CFO. I don’t know what he did but he’s got a magic touch.” Bad choice of words. “Or he’s male,” Carly said. Bridget didn’t answer. She could be right. “Are you sure ignoring your attraction is for the best? He’s got great taste in antiques.” She ran her hand over the box. Bridget laughed. “It is. I need to be focused at work. No one would trust me if they knew I was dating my boss.” “Maybe you could get a new job.” Bridget scowled at her and then returned her gaze to the road. “I’m not leaving my job because of a guy. Dionysus gave me a chance when no one else would. I owe them.” “They’ve been working you to the bone and ignoring your advice for the last six months. You don’t owe them anything. I’m sure no one remembers the Lionel affair any more.” Bridget shook her head. She wasn’t leaving her job for a man ever again. She would go on her own terms when she was good and ready. Changing the subject, she asked, “What was wrong with you yesterday? You shouldn’t have been working on a Saturday.” Carly sighed. “You know how it is. No rest for the wicked.” “You’re hardly wicked. Besides, you’re the CEO. Shouldn’t you have minions to do the grunt work for you?” “Not this stuff.” She sounded really tired. Bridget glanced at her. “What is it?” “Just business. Did you hear