Page 16 of Sight of Fate

“That’s enough for today. Let’s go grab your I.D.”

We leave his office and head down a floor. When we get there, someone takes my picture, and minutes later, I’m standing in the lobby with Teague. Several people walk by, staring curiously at the two of us, but none stop.

“Monday at 7:30?” I ask, reluctantly holding out my hand.

He stares at it for a long second. “I know it makes you uncomfortable, and that’s the last thing I want. I’ll wait.” His gaze moves to me and the broad smile I’ve sketched too many times appears. “7:30 sounds good. I’m looking forward to working with you.”

Both relieved and oddly disappointed, I lower my hand and return his smile with a grateful one of my own. “Thank you.” For not rushing me. For giving me a fantastic job. For so much more than you can possibly know.

Chapter Ten

CHARLI

It’s been a long time since a Friday night felt different from any other night. In college, it meant the end of a long week of classes and studying and a fun night out with Cara and her boyfriend. Living out of my car, it meant nothing. Now I sit here in the apartment with time on my hands. I don’t have to get gas or find a new place to stay the night or go to the gym to shower. I’m free to do what I want. Maybe I should go out. For a walk. Or to get food.

The knock on the door makes me freeze, but after a second, I realize it must be Teague wanting his jacket. I crack open the door, and he lifts his head from his phone and smiles. Wide and full of warmth, it stops me in my tracks for a second.

Unable to hold back, my lips curl up in response. “Come in. I’ll get your jacket.”

He shakes his head and leans against the doorway. “I’m fine to wait out here.”

The tension eases from my shoulders, and I leave him standing there while I grab it.

“Macklin and I are going out to get dinner, if you want to join us,” he offers as he takes his jacket. “Nothing fancy. A burger and a beer.”

“But you’re my boss. What if someone sees us?”

He shakes his head. “There isn’t a fraternization policy at the company. Employees go out as friends all the time. Some date. As long as it’s mutual and consent is given, my employees can do what they want.” He pauses. “If you’re not comfortable with it, I can stay here and help you unpack or bring you something back?”

“I want to go out,” I blurt and wince at the eagerness in my voice. “Jeans okay?”

His eyes light up, and he straightens. “Jeans are perfect. Let me change and grab Macklin. Say fifteen minutes?”

I nod. “Sounds good. Thanks.”

As he walks off, I close the door and lean against it, my grin stretching across my face. I’m going out on a Friday night. With them. Two insanely hot men. Not that this is a date or anything. But it’s real, not one of my daydreams.

I hurry over to my suitcase, pull out my favorite pair of jeans, and slip them on. In the mirror, I turn to the side. These jeans make my butt look good, and my light green sweater pops against the darker color. Satisfied, I head to the bathroom to brush my teeth and refresh my makeup, not that I’m wearing much. Out of perfume, I spray a little vanilla body spray on my neck and clothes.

When I hear the knock again, I’m waiting by the door with my coat and a small purse. This time, Macklin is standing on the other side, looking dark and dangerous. My eyes slide down his body and relish in his size. In black jeans molded to his muscular thighs and a black leather bomber jacket, he’s intimidating. As if he could take someone out with one punch. I like it. Makes me feel safe.

“Ready? Teague went to start the car so it will be warm for you,” he says gruffly.

He waits while I lock the door, then motions for me to go first. Turning, I head toward the elevator and hear him mutter something behind me about a long night.

I swivel my head around. “Sorry, did you say something?”

He clears his throat. “No, talking to myself.” In the elevator, he punches the G button. When I raise an eyebrow, he explains that there’s a parking garage under the building. “I’ll text you the code so you can park in there. Should have thought of it yesterday.”

The doors open, and I see Teague sitting in a black SUV, wearing the jacket I returned to him. Macklin opens the back door for me, then hops into the passenger seat.

Teague’s cologne lingers in the small space, and I inhale appreciatively. Add that to the heat blasting from the vents, and I can’t help but smile. “Toasty warm. Thank you.” The sight of him instantly soothes the ache inside me.

Teague nods. “This isn’t Texas. It gets cold here.” He maneuvers the vehicle out of the garage and takes a right. “We’re taking you to the Wolf’s Den. It’s a casual hangout with really great burgers and a bar. We usually go there on Friday nights.”

“I’d only been in Texas a couple of days when I took this job,” I let slip, then continue as if it’s nothing. Hopefully, he won’t ask why I was so quick to take this job. “But I’m definitely not used to the weather. I’m a Southerner. How cold does it get here?”

He exchanges a glance with Macklin, then shrugs. “Not too bad. Lowest is maybe fifteen degrees. But we get a lot of sun, so that helps.”