Chapter 36
The dinner party wrapped up. Evan appeared sober—his eyes sharp, his steps steady. But the moment he handed the room key to Zach to settle the bill, we realized—the boss was drunk.
Ann Maxwell, slightly less intoxicated this time, rushed to his side, clinging to his arm. “Want to come to my place? I have that wine you like.”
“No,” he declined flatly.
As we walked down the hallway, a slight unevenness in the carpet made him stumble. Before Zach or I could react, Ann quickly stepped in front of him, arms outstretched, ready to catch him…
At the last second, Evan reached back and yanked me forward instead. I practically flew into Ann’s arms—our faces so close we nearly kissed.
I was stunned. Am I some kind of human shield? A shock absorber?! Ann must have been furious. He’d rather throw me at her than let her touch him!
As soon as we stepped out of the restaurant, Ann stormed off. I, on the other hand, had to endure it—for the sake of a job I’d only had for three days.
Only after getting into the car did I realize my knee was throbbing. A dark bruise had already formed—I must have hit his leg bone when he pulled me up. Men and their ridiculously hard bones! My fair skin bruises easily, and this one would stick around for days.
Evan leaned back in his seat, head propped on one hand, eyes closed, his face calm, almost serene. He looked asleep.
Back at the hotel, I called his name a few times, but he didn’t stir. He was out cold. It took Zach and a hotel staff member a full struggle to get the six-foot-five giant into his room, both of them sweating by the end.
Zach emerged from the bedroom, finally noticing my injury. “Is your knee okay? Want some ice?” He sounded genuinely concerned—probably worried I’d quit. Finding a competent secretary wasn’t easy.
“I’ll be fine. I’m heading back to my room.”
“Alright. I can handle him from here.”
I reached the door, then turned back. “You’re accompanying the President to the summit tomorrow. I won’t be in during the morning—I’m heading to the factory on Jurong Island. It’s a long trip, so I’ll leave early and get back early.”
Zach nodded. “Got it. Call if you need anything.”
“Okay.”
Back in my room, I took a shower and settled onto a chaise lounge, pressing an ice pack to my knee. The cold shot through me, making me wince, but I couldn’t help but laugh. The whole situation was both ridiculous and hilarious.
Still, this job had been a much-needed escape after my divorce. It felt like an adventure—almost as thrilling as that solo trip to Iceland. I’d been so busy, I hadn’t even thought about Chicago. I wonder how things are over there…
