Divine Phoenix by Heather Rainier

nod, he asked, “Now, what’s on your agenda for today?”
    “Do I have time for some phone calls before we go to the shop?”
    Clay’s eyebrows shot up. “Yes, you can use my phone to make whatever phone calls you need. Who’s this ‘we’ going to the shop?”
    “I’d like to get started right away. Strike while the iron is hot. I need to pay you back for my car repairs. I need to learn my job so you don’t change your mind and decide me working for you is a bad idea.”
    Clay smirked at her attempt to use mild humor to deflect his real question. He pointed to the couch. “Your only job today is staying on that couch, or in bed, and recovering from your trauma and recent major surgery . I can’t believe you thought you were working today.”
    “I’m anxious to get started. I feel good.” She looked out the back door, clearly at war with herself as she wrung her hands together.
    “I’m glad you feel better but it’s still early in the day. You don’t need to spend that much time on your feet, not this soon. You’re not indestructible and there’s no longer any reason for you to operate under duress. Lil, look at me ,” he murmured when it seemed as though she was disregarding his words.
    When she turned her gaze on him, his heart clenched in his chest. She was like a wounded doe, waiting for the next blow. She really was afraid he’d change his mind. He crouched down in front of her and lifted her chin so he could see her amber eyes.
    “Lil, the job is yours. Period. End of discussion. I’m not going to get impatient, or demanding, or angry because you can’t start right now.”
    “I’m sorry, Clay. I’m not trying to be difficult. I need for this arrangement to work out. I don’t want to risk you changing your mind.”
    “I’m not going to change my mind. As a matter of fact, I need to have a little time before you start to set things up. I’ve had just one employee in the showroom for years. I need to work out your new responsibilities and…” Where do I begin on dealing with Tabitha? She’ll blow a gasket for sure .
    Lily frowned. “And what?”
    “Your coworker. I’ll need to smooth things over for her. Tabitha’s worked for me for a few years, and she’s a little set in her ways.”
    Boy, now there’s an understatement. In quick succession, Clay pictured a large angry cat with its fur standing up on end, a chicken with its feathers all ruffled, and a riled up wolverine defending its nest. This is going to call for diplomacy, Cook.
    Lily sat up straight, looking a little uncertain. “Clay. Are you sure this is a good idea? I do not want to take someone else’s job.”
    Clay shook his head and smirked. “There will be plenty for you to do. Trust me, Lily. There are certain parts of the job that she doesn’t deal with as well as others. I’ll make some decisions today at the shop, let her know about the changes, and talk with you tonight. I’ll need some time to settle her down and soothe her angst a little.” Clay thought it might also be a good idea to set limits on how much Tabitha knew about Lily’s past to limit her gossiping.
    “Settle her down? Soothe her angst?” Clay liked the flash of spirit in her eyes, at least until worry clouded them. “That doesn’t sound like a good way for me to start working with her…for her. Oh, no. Will she be my boss ?”
    No fucking way in hell I’d entrust you to her. Not after what you’ve been through.
    “No. I’d be your boss. You would not be subordinate to her, but she would be showing you the ropes in the showroom. I’d also like to train you to help me as well.” The thought of her quiet presence beside him in the workroom was pleasing. He hoped to teach her to craft some of the genital jewelry items his online customers ordered. Explaining to her how they worked was going to be an exercise in self-torture that he actually looked forward to.
    That idea seemed to intrigue her, and she smiled. “I’d like to work