QUIVER (QUAKE Book 2) by Jacob Chance Page B

he finishes, he puts the tablet back down on the table and glances my way.
          “Janny, you’ll be working on the infomercial with me.” I nod my head in acknowledgement while I wonder if he chose me for this assignment or if Edwin did.
          “Everyone get with the people you’re teaming up with and start to brainstorm. I’ve sent you all emails with an attachment containing all the information you need about the Green Life products.”
          My co-workers bustle about until they’ve broken into the groups Zack mentioned. I remain where I am and wait for him to come over. He pulls out the vacant chair beside mine and lowers into it.
          “How’s it going, Janny?” he asks with his ever present smirk on his lips. It’s hard for me to imagine him ever being serious. He seems to have fun no matter what he’s doing. I really like that about him.
          “Hi Zack. It’s Monday. How good can it possibly be?” I take a sip of water from the bottle in front of me and act like having him next to me doesn’t bother me at all. I’m not sure what it is about him that sets me on edge.
          “How do you feel about working on this infomercial with me? Are you up for the challenge?” He looks serious for a moment when he studies my face.
          “I’m looking forward to working with you. Isn’t that why I’m here – to learn as much as I can?”
          He pats me on the arm. “Great attitude. I knew you were the right choice for the internship.”
          Did he have something to do with me getting this job? I know Edwin said he chose me, but now I’m wondering how much Zack weighed in on the final selection.
     
    ***
     
          We spend the next few hours hashing out a list of ideas that could work for the infomercial, and by the end of the work day we’ve narrowed it down to the three best ones. Working with Zack has been easy and he’s extremely knowledgeable. He has great ideas and he helped me see the bigger picture of what we need to accomplish with this infomercial. I think it has the potential to be really amazing, it’s just going to take a lot of work to get it there.
          “Okay, everyone wrap it up and get out of here. Let’s meet back here at one o’clock tomorrow,” Zack announces. The sounds of laptops closing and papers being shuffled surrounds me while I place all my things away in my briefcase.
          “I’ll want to see at least two solid ideas from each team. Work on your mock-ups between now and then,” he says, wrapping his knuckles on the wood of the table marking the end of his statement, like punctuation at the end of a sentence.
          I slide the strap of my briefcase up my shoulder and push the chair in. I smile. “See you tomorrow, Zack.”
          He places his hand on my arm. “Where are you rushing off to? I was hoping we could grab dinner together.” He stares down at me, his light blue eyes are trying to persuade me to go, even though I know I shouldn’t. He’s my boss on this project and one of the higher-ups in the company. It’s probably not a good idea to spend more time with him.
          He notices my indecision. “Come on. You have to eat and I’ve been told I’m good company.” He nudges me with his arm. “Do you really want to cook dinner?” He does have a point. It would be nice to have someone to talk to and I don’t feel like making anything tonight.
          I nod, “Okay, let’s go.” He grabs his briefcase and puts his hand on my back to usher me in front of him. The heat of his palm is hot on my skin through the thin blouse I’m wearing. His touch is gentle, the opposite of Kyle’s firm, possessive one.” 
           Once we’re outside, Zack grabs my hand, pulling me in the opposite direction of my apartment. After a couple of steps, he lets go and I breathe a sigh of relief. I was about to pull away and didn’t want it to be awkward. We walk in