The Two Week Arrangement (Penthouse Affair, #1) novel Chapter 7

Presley

As I enter the cozy, fragrant coffee shop, Michael waves me over to his seat in the corner. Yes, he even snagged us the super comfy armchairs. Just seeing him lifts a little of the workday’s stress off my shoulders.

He stands up to hug me and points to one of the two steaming mugs on the table. “I ordered you a dirty chai.”

“I love you.” I sigh.

He shouldn’t be using his limited funds to buy me things—heck, I’m paying his tuition, it might be my money in the first place—but after this kind of day, it’s nice to have someone remember my favorite drink. We sit down, and I take a grateful sip.

“So, how’s school?” I ask. Unable to resist teasing him, I add, “Meet any nice boys yet?”

He groans, though he’s still smiling. “I’ve been too busy getting my ass kicked by this music theory class. Why, have you?” He wiggles his perfectly groomed eyebrows at me.

Okay, I walked into that one. “Not unless you count my new boss,” I mutter.

My devastatingly handsome new boss whose ridiculous sex appeal distracted me all damn day. It’s so unfair . . . I’ve never met a guy who lights up my body with electricity from one look, and he’s totally off-limits.

“Right, your internship started today. Tell me about that.”

“I’ve only been there one day, so really not much to tell.” I sip slowly to cover my nerves.

“You know what I mean. How do you feel about the place?”

“I feel like a blithering idiot.” I heave a deep sigh. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I can’t stop worrying I’m going to screw something up and blow it.”

“I’m sure you made a great first impression. You always do.”

“I don’t know . . .”

I stare into my chai as I stir it, imagining my career being sucked into its swirling depths. I must sound as unconvinced as I feel, because Michael pokes my upper arm.

“Hey, pay attention. I’m not just saying that because you’re my big sister. You really are the total package.”

I force a smile. “Thanks, baby bro.”

He frowns—I must sound thoroughly unconvinced—but he lets it go.

“So you said there was a reason you wanted to meet up today?” I ask.