chapter 32

"Thanks."

"I've always admired your work ethic, Bernard," Carla continued, pausing to flash me a bright smile. "You're ambitious and dedicated, just like me. It's one of the reasons why we work so well together."

"Don't you mean worked?"

Carla inched closer, and her expression turned serious. "I mean work. We still work well together, Bernard. You and I closed that deal together the other week."

"That was mostly you."

Carla threw her head back and laughed. "Don't be so modest."

"I'm not."

Carla lowered her head and stared at me through hooded eyes. "You know, I wasn't sure if you were going to give me a job, but I'm glad you did. I've missed you."

I took a long sip of my drink before setting it down. "You didn't miss me, Carla. You and I weren't a good match in spite of what people think."

Carla shook her head. "We were. It just wasn't the right time, but it's been years, Bernard. I think it's time to try again."

"What?"

Carla inched closer and placed her hands on my shoulders. "I sti