Lochlan shrugs. “Still counts.”
My lips part to speak, but my brain refuses to feed them a thought that I can actually say out loud.
Reaper puts his head on my knee. I reach down automatically to scratch behind his ear, and he lets out a deep sigh like he’s perfectly content to sit here like this forever. He probably would if I let him, too.
“He's getting attached,” Lochlan says.
“How do you know?” I ask. “I mean, maybe it’s because he was hungry and I just gave him some eggs.”
Lochlan shakes his head. “I know you’re not a dog person, but this is how they connect. They can always tell the good from the bad. He knows you have a good heart and that you’re kind. Dogs sense that stuff.” He pauses. “And I happen to think he’s damn insightful because I sense the same things about you.”
I shake my head, a smile tugging at my lips. “You know, some guys might use that as a line.”
“Why would I bother with a bullshit line when I really believe what I say is the truth?”
My jaw drops the slightest bit. For a moment, I find myself being whisked away into those swirling pools of blue, completely captivated as tingles assault my skin under his heated stare.
“I have meetings all day,” I finally blurt out once my mouth decides to work again. “I'll be at the office until at least six.”
“Want me to drive you?”
I shake my head. “I'll take a car.”
“Adriana—”
“It’s my time to process,” I say. “There’s a lot going on rightnow and I just need quiet to work through it all.” I pause, standing up from the stool. “I know you’re just trying to be helpful, and I appreciate it. But it’s just… a lot. Not you. My life in general.”
He's quiet for a bit. Then he nods.
“I get it. You need your own time and space. Just do me a favor and text me when you get there and when you leave.”
My spine stiffens. “I'm not a child.”
“No. You're a target. And I’m trying to give you space while keeping you safe.”
He's right. I hate that he's right.
“Fine,” I say. “I'll text. But security will let you know anyway. They’re always watching.”
“Maybe I want to hear from you. Have a great day, and kick some ass.” He winks and holds up his coffee mug. “Until tonight, wife.”
This time, I don’t comment on his use of the word. I let it hang there between us.
And it feels… okay.
Maybe more than okay.
When the elevator door opens on my floor, Jayne is waiting with my coffee.
“Good morning." She eyes me over the cup with a knowing smile. “You look... rested.”
I lift an eyebrow at her and take the coffee from her outstretched hand. “Is that code for what you really want to say?”
“Nope. Just an observation.” I take the cup from her, and she follows me into my office.
“I think you know me well enough to expect I’ll ask the real questions.” She clasps her hands together, a knowing smile stretching her lips. “So.The husband. How's that going?”
I put down my bag with a sigh and take a sip of coffee before settling into my chair. “It's going fine.”
