Luke almost smiled.
“That’s not the same situation.”
“Why?”
“Because leadership means prioritizing responsibility.”
Robert raised an eyebrow.
“And today?”
“The woman on the highway was in immediate physical danger. Your interview wasn’t.”
Melissa looked interested.
Robert remained skeptical.
“You missed a commitment.”
“Yes.”
“Couldn’t she call police?”
“She had called roadside assistance.”
“Then help was coming.”
“In forty-five minutes.”
Robert leaned closer.
“Are you always this stubborn?”
Luke thought of Noah.
“Yes.”
Melissa laughed.
Robert did not.
Then the conference room door opened.
Luke turned.
Evelyn Carter walked in.
Dry.
Completely.
Her wet roadside clothing had been replaced by a cream blouse, fitted charcoal skirt, and dark blazer. Her hair remained in the polished low bun, though softer now. She carried a leather portfolio.
Luke stared.
For a second, his brain refused the information.
Robert stood.
“Evelyn.”
Luke looked from him to her.
Evelyn’s eyes met Luke’s.
A tiny smile appeared.
“Sorry I’m late.”
Robert frowned.
“We were wondering where you went.”
“Car trouble.”
Luke closed his eyes.
No.
Evelyn sat at the head of the table.
Robert looked between them.
“Do you two know each other?”
Evelyn removed her watch and placed it beside the portfolio.
“We met.”
Luke said nothing.
Melissa looked delighted already.
Evelyn turned toward Luke.
“You didn’t miss your interview.”
He stared.
“What?”
“You started it on Route Twelve.”
Robert frowned.
“Evelyn?”
She looked at him.
“My tire blew.”
She gestured toward Luke.
“He stopped.”
Robert’s expression changed.
Evelyn continued.
“I told him repeatedly to leave.”
Melissa’s mouth twitched.
“He wouldn’t.”
Robert looked at Luke.
“You knew who she was?”
“No.”
Evelyn smiled.
“He had no idea.”
Luke finally found his voice.
“You’re Evelyn Carter.”
“Yes.”
“The CEO.”
“Yes.”
“You could’ve mentioned that.”
“You didn’t ask what I did.”
“You asked what job I was interviewing for.”
“I was curious.”
Luke stared.
Robert looked almost amused now.
Evelyn folded her hands.
“Continue.”
Luke blinked.
“The interview?”
“Yes.”
“I’m soaked.”
“I’m aware.”
“My tie looks like it lost a fight.”
“Also aware.”
Melissa laughed.
Evelyn’s expression softened.
“Sit, Luke.”
He sat.
The interview continued.