“I’m so glad I caught you before you left. You’re a slippery one, Grace.”
Sweet Lord, I have to get out of here. “I guess…” My gaze flicks toward Tricia’s desk and—sure enough—she’s shooting a heated glare at the side of my head. “What’s up, Corey?”
He puffs out his chest, giving me a smile that shows off his new chunky veneers. “I wanted to see if you’re up to grab a drink at Abyss with me?”
I don’t waste a beat. “I’m busy tonight. Sorry.”
“Aw, come on! It’ll be fun. It won’t be a date unless you want it to be.” He gives me a wink, and the back of my neck heats from Tricia’s glare. She’s not even bothering to be subtle about it.
I sling my purse over my shoulder, giving Corey my best no-nonsense stare. “I can’t, Corey. Please respect that.”
“You can’t, or you won’t?” His smile dims. “Just one drink. That’s all.”
Okay, now I’m getting a little pissed. Why the hell can’t he take “no” for an answer? I open my mouth to give him a piece of my mind, only to be interrupted by Tricia’s high-pitched voice.
“Hey, Corey! Grace! I couldn’t help overhearing there might be some plans to go to Abyss? Mind if I tag along?”
I’ve never been so happy to see her. “Tricia! Why don’t you and Corey go? I have plans, as I was just telling Corey, so I can’t go, but you two totally should!”
Tricia’s eyes light up as she pulls Corey into a conversation. His smile fades fully as I slip past them toward the elevator, but like thegentlemanhe is, he doesn’t try to stop me.
Once outside, I call a car to take me to Saffron’s favorite burger place, which just so happens to be a few blocks fromMoriton Memorial. I place a pickup order on the drive over, and within twenty minutes, I’m on my way to Saffron’s hospital room with a hot meal in hand.
I rap on the doorframe, alerting her to my presence. “Knock, knock. You hungry?”
I step into the room, and Saffron’s eyes light up at the sight of the plastic take-out bag in my hand. “Is that The Hollow Cow?”
“It is.” I grin and hand her the bag with her fries and burger. “Extra pickles, no mustard.”
“Ee! You’re the best!” She digs in, stuffing a couple of greasy fries in her mouth and moaning. “Marry me, Grace.”
I laugh. “I’m hoping this means you’re feeling better?”
“Much.” She chews thoughtfully. “My plastic surgeon has beensupernice.”
“Is he cute?”
She blushes, and I have my answer. “You should ask him out. When you’re healed—mentally and physically, of course.”
She sighs, her mouth pinching. “What’s the point?”
I shake my head, unable to believe her. “Um, you’re intelligent, loving, honest, and hardworking? Plus, you’re hot. You could have anyone you want.”
My shameless compliments seem to lift her spirits, and a small smile tugs at the corner of her mouth. “You’re sweet, Grace. Thank you.” She pops another fry into her mouth. “Enough about me and my love life. How are things with you and the boss?” Her visible eyebrow wiggles suggestively, and a blush creeps up my neck.
“They’re fine.”
“Come on! You have to give me more thanthat? I’ve been dying of boredom! The only channels they have available are for golf and professional fishing.Fishing,Grace.”
“Okay, okay…” I sigh, resigned. “Nothing big has happened. He bought me a cup of tea this morning, and when my lunchwent missing, he took me to lunch. It was… nice. But I’m not trying to make a big thing about it. He’s myboss,after all. Falling for him will just bring heartbreak and misery into both our lives.”
She smiles knowingly. “You say that like you think he’s fallen for you already.”
My face blazes. “I don’t want to be presumptuous… but hedefinitelylooks at me like someone more than his employee.” I shiver involuntarily just thinking about it. “It’s like he’s trying to take my clothes off with his eyes.”
“Of course he is! Look at you. EvenIhave a hard time not checking you out sometimes.” Laughter twists her features, wrinkling the corner of her unbandaged eye. “And from what little you’ve said… yeah, he has itbad.”
“Enough about me,” I say, desperate to change the line of conversation. “Did thissuper-cutesurgeon of yours tell you when you’ll be discharged?”
