Mindy pressed her palms together and gave Allison her best puppy-dog eyes, lips quivering as she pleaded, “Ma’am, I’m really sorry! I messed up, I know I did, but please, please don’t be mad at me, okay? You’re gorgeous and so nice—I mean, someone as pretty and kind as you wouldn’t actually hold this against me, right?”
She blinked her huge, mascara-coated eyes at Allison, laying it on thick. “I really need this job. Please don’t let me go, please! You’re the best, prettiest lady ever!”
Just then, the executive elevator chimed and slid open.
Joshua stepped out, his assistant John right behind him.
John shot Mindy a look: Seriously? You always stop the wrong people and let the important ones walk right in?
Mindy shot back with her own look: How was I supposed to know she was the boss’s wife? You could’ve warned me!
Before they could exchange another silent argument, Joshua had already closed the distance to Allison.
“Allie, you’re here.” Joshua’s tone was gentle, his usual stoic face softened by a rare, easy smile. “Did you need something?”
Mindy’s jaw nearly hit the floor.
Was this really the same boss who always looked like he was carved from ice? She’d been here three months and never seen him act like this with anyone.
Who would ever believe Allison wasn’t the boss’s wife with that kind of greeting?
Allison held out a folder. “I need the company’s legal representative to sign and stamp these.”
“Of course.” Joshua took the folder and handed it right to John.
“Have you eaten?” he asked, voice full of concern.
Allison nodded. “Yeah, I have. Just get these signed and stamped for me, okay? I need to take them back when you’re done.”
“No rush.” Joshua’s eyes lingered on her, softer than Mindy had ever seen. “Want to come upstairs for some tea?”
“I’ll pass.” Allison checked her watch. “I’ve got other things to do soon.”
Mindy caught the flash of disappointment in Joshua’s eyes.
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