“You're still here?” Caiden seemed worried.
“Yes, I still have some work to do,” Joan answered earnestly.
“You shouldn't work overtime. Just go home. I'm not planning on making money on this studio anyway.” Caiden tried to convince her to leave.
This caught Joan's attention.
“Caiden, I swear I'm going to help you turn a profit on this studio!” she declared determinedly.
Caiden couldn't help but smile at her bold declaration, though there was still a hint of frustration in his eyes.
Ah well, she can go on thinking that way if that makes her happy.
“Ok. While I appreciate your enthusiasm, it really is late. Come on; I'll give you a lift home!” He tugged Joan's elbow, planning to drag her out of the office with him.
“Hey, wait. Don't touch me.” Joan shrugged off his hand.
Caiden felt awkward at her actions. Clearing his throat, he headed straight for his car.
“I can go home myself,” she said quietly.
“It's late, and it's not safe for you to go home alone. Come on. I'll give you a lift,” Caiden prodded from inside his car.
“Are you going to let Ms. Young and Lucius wait even longer for you before they eat dinner?”
Joan hesitated at his argument. She caved and got into his car.
“Why are you avoiding me? I'm not a cannibal, you know,” Caiden joked.
“I just think we should maintain a distance,” Joan answered from the backseat.
She didn't ride shotgun for fear of any unexpected incidents.
“Joan, you're my employee. Exactly what sort of distance are you imagining? Total ignorance?” Caiden asked in exasperation.
“I want to focus on managing the photography studio. I want to turn a profit for you, and I want to get better benefits for the staff. There's nothing else on my agenda.”
“Pfft!”
Suddenly, the car came to a halt. Caiden turned around and stared at her angrily.
“Joan, can you just be honest with me? If it wasn't for this team, would you agree to work at my photography studio?”
Well, duh.
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