“Mara, you’ll take the story on the new florist that opened on Main Street,” I say, pointing my pen in her direction. “And that leaves David to cover the dog show.” I look around at the staff writers sitting at the oval table in the conference room. “Any questions?”

Everyone shakes their heads.

“Good. Great meeting everyone. Let’s get to it.” I smile and gather my notebook and pen.

“Thanks, Aria,” Mara says while walking over to me. “This is the first time I’m not doing some filler piece that will most likely get cut.”

“You deserve it. Your writing’s come a long way since you started.”

“I won’t let you down,” she assures me, giving my forearm a squeeze.

I walk out of the meeting room and straight to Nate’s desk. No matter the time of day, he always seems so relaxed and ahead of the game. Like his job is too easy for him. “That went better than I imagined. I think everyone is happy.”

“Including you. I haven’t seen you smile that wide since...”

Aaron. My lips form a tight line. “No,” I say aloud, knowing Nate will understand what I’m thinking. “I’m not letting him ruin this moment for me.”

“Good for you. You’re knocking them dead. Monohan is going to be very impressed.”

“Meeting went well, I take it?” Oliver asks, stepping out of his office. It’s always burned me that he’s the only staff writer with an office, but since his mommy paid for it, what can you do?

“Very,” I say, smiling at him.

He nods. “Well, features are the fluff of the paper, so it’s not like it’s difficult. No one’s going to care if a profile on the oldest woman in town never makes it to press.”

Nate stands up and steps past me toward Oliver. “I’d like to see you write anything that isn’t basic reporting of the facts. And no matter what the stories are about, Aria is in an editorial position now, which is more than anyone can say for you. Seems like even Mommy’s money can’t buy you a promotion.”

“Nate, stop.” I grab his arm and tug him toward me. If he gets into a fight with Oliver, Oliver might go to Monohan and force him to renege on our two-week trial period agreement. “I think we all have work to get back to,” I say, giving Oliver and Nate one last glance each before heading to my desk.

I flop down in my chair and toss the notepad on my desk next to the computer. I count the steps it will take Nate to come apologize.

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have done that. It’s not like you need anyone to fight your battles for you anyway.”

I spin my chair around toward him, a stern look on my face. “I have one shot at this position.”

Nate holds up his hands. “I know. I’ll go apologize to Oliver.”

Apologizing won’t matter to Oliver. He’s always gotten the best news stories, and up until recently, he loved getting bylines. Now he wants a higher position, and he doesn’t care that it’s for features editor instead of news editor.

“Just forget it. Let it go, and maybe he will, too.” I turn back toward my computer and bring up my email. I have six stories in need of edits. I get to work, knowing Nate is still standing there. It’s rare for me to get angry with him, but something is going on lately. It’s like ever since Aaron walked out on me, Nate thinks he needs to step in and protect me. I’m going to have to have a talk with him later.

My cell rings, and I’m so engrossed in the story I’m editing that I don’t check the display. All I hear is Nate say, “Aria, don’t—”

“Hello?”

“Hey, babe.”

Oh no. I pull the phone from my ear to confirm the caller. Aaron. “Wow, you’re the last person I expected to hear from. Tell me, what merits a phone call? It must be huge, considering you didn’t feel a breakup required more than a text message.” I hold the phone between my shoulder and chin and continue to edit the piece, clicking the keys loudly so Aaron will hopefully hear and know I’m not giving him my full attention.

“I’m so sorry about that. I should have called to explain. I wasn’t trying to end things. I just needed a little break. Things at the office got so busy. I’m sure you understand, though. I heard about your promotion. You know what it’s like when you’re moving up.”

So that’s it. He heard I got promoted—or more likely read about it since I’m listed as the features editor in the paper now—and thought maybe I am worth dating after all.

“You know, I have to admit, I understand where you were coming from now. I’m swamped with work. In fact, I’m editing a piece as we speak. There’s no way we’d be able to coordinate schedules now that we’re both so busy. You were right all along. I have to get going. Best of luck to you, Aaron.” I end the call with a huge smile on my face.

“That was pure genius.”

I turn to face Nate, realizing he never left. “You were eavesdropping?”

“Sorry. I panicked when I saw his picture on your display. I wanted to be here in case you needed backup.” He shoves his hands in his pockets and takes an interest in my stapler once again. I’m going to have to buy him one of his own.

“Nate, I can handle myself. I don’t know why you suddenly don’t think I can, but—”

“No. I know you can.” He stands up straight. “I’m going back to work.”

I nod, not wanting to fight with him, especially at work. He leaves without another word, and I pick up where I left off in my edit.

“Wow,” Mara says, coming up alongside my cubicle. “I wish I had a best friend who looked out for me like that. I saw how he handled Oliver earlier, too. Oliver is an ass. An entitled ass. Someone should put him in his place.”

“Considering his family bought his way into this company, I’d say he’s in his place.” I keep my eyes focused on the screen, not wanting my true emotions to show.

“Still, I’d love to see him taken down a notch or two.” She leans over the partition. “And you might not look at Nate the way every other woman—and a few men—in this office does, but the way he jumped to your defense was damn sexy.”

“Nate defends anyone he thinks needs it.” I shrug. “He’d do the same for you.”

She fans herself with her hand. “Girl, don’t get my hopes up.” She winks at me before walking away.

I chuckle to myself. I’ve lost count of the number of women who swoon every time Nate walks into a room. Par for the course.

I spend the next three hours editing stories and fielding questions from staff writers. I couldn’t love my new position more, which reminds me it’s not actually mine yet. If it were, I’d have one of those offices with an actual window. Maybe Aaron wasn’t totally wrong to want to get ahead in life.

“Come on, Aria,” Nate says, tapping on the partition. “Time to call it a night.”

“Just going over some story proposals,” I say without looking up.

Nate spins my chair around to face him.

“Hey,” I say. “I’m not finished yet.”

“Yes, you are. I’m not letting you turn into one of those people who can’t separate themselves from their work.”

I glance at the clock on my computer screen. 7:10. “Okay, okay. I guess this can wait until tomorrow.”

“Don’t forget your paycheck.” He hands me the envelope next to my computer.

“Direct deposit, remember?” I take it from him and grab my purse.

“Yeah, but aren’t you curious to see what kind of a raise you got?” he asks, following me to the elevator.

“Mr. Monohan emailed me earlier to let me know I’ll continue at my regular salary until he makes a decision on the position.”

“So you’re doing all this extra work for free? That’s crazy! He can’t—”

I stop him with a look when we reach the elevator. The doors open, and I get in. “He said if I get the position, he’ll give me the difference in pay for the two weeks.”

“And if he gives the job to Oliver instead?” Nate asks as the doors close.

“Then he saved some money for two weeks.” Before he can protest, I reach for his arm. “Look, this is all a test. I’m not about to let a few dollars come between me and this promotion.”

“You’re the boss.”

“Only if I get the job.” I smirk and let go of his arm, but I can’t help noticing his eyes linger on the spot where my hand just was. “So, what’s it going to be tonight? Pizza? Ooh, I could go for a calzone.”

“I’ve been wanting to try that new Italian restaurant that opened up on Main Street.”

“David did a piece on it. He said you need a reservation.”

The elevators open at the parking garage on the lower level, and we step out. I have no idea where Nate parked, so I stop and face him. “Maybe over the weekend? Unless you have plans,” I add when I realize he might have a date already lined up.

“No plans. I’ll make the reservation.”

“Okay, so calzone?”

He nods. “I’m going to head home and shower. See you in an hour?”

“Sounds good.” I start for my car, but when I don’t hear his footsteps behind me I stop. “Nate, you coming?”

“Go on ahead. I just realized I left my car keys in the office.”

“Okay, but don’t be late. I skipped lunch again today. There may not be any calzone left by the time you get to my place.”

“Twenty bucks says you can’t eat the whole thing before I get there.”

“You’re on.” I smile and head for my car.