“I have to stay out of this just because she’s my friend,” William said, forcing a casual tone. “If she’s applying for a job and the CEO interviews her personally, I shouldn’t be there making him think our friendship is influencing his decision.”

But the words tightened in his chest. Somehow, without meaning to, he had become the one who seemed closest to the young lady—and that only made things worse.

“If the CEO gets jealous for no reason, I’ll be in trouble.”

He ...