Page 19 of Unmasked

“It sounds... great, actually. And if I happen to stop by”—she stressed the word if, just in case she chickened out—“what should I bring?”

“Nothing.” He shook his head. “Just stop by and enjoy yourself for a while.”

“I appreciate that.” Everleigh tucked the address into her purse, then slid the strap over her shoulder and stood. “I'll keep an eye out for anything strange and let you know right away if anything happens.”

“Perfect.” He opened the door and escorted her back to the lobby. “Think about what I said.”

“I will. And thank you.” Everleigh headed out, fully aware that Vivi refused to look her way.

Outside, Everleigh made her way to her car, then slid into the driver’s seat. She tossed her purse on the passenger seat, and her gaze caught on the strip of paper sticking out of the top. She drummed her fingers on the steering wheel. If she could catch Knox alone, really talk to him, maybe—just maybe—they could figure out if there was still something there.

Shifting into gear, Everleigh turned the car onto the main drag and headed for the grocery store. If she was going to do this, she was going to go all out.

CHAPTER

TEN

“Can I come in for a sec?” Instead of waiting for a reply, Vivi stepped inside Knox’s office, closing the door behind her. He bit back a sigh and lifted his head from the contract he was currently reviewing. He never could tell her no, and if he did, she'd just tell him to piss off.

It was one of the things he loved most about her. Vivi was most definitely not a pushover. As much as he worried about her, he knew she could take care of herself. And when she needed help, she had him. And now Mason.

He felt a tiny twinge of jealousy at the thought. He almost felt like he was being replaced. It was stupid, he knew, but he couldn't help it. It was reassuring to know that she was just as stubborn with Mason as she was with him. The jerk deserved that much, at least, for not being honest with Knox.

He could deal with Vivi's harping because he knew she'd never let him push her around. He could be overbearing, but she had no problem standing toe-to-toe with him; he'd seen evidence of that firsthand. They pushed each other, drove each other crazy, but loved hard. As much as he hated it, he was glad for them.

“What's up?” Vivi sank into the chair across from him, her big brown eyes fixed on his. “I just wanted to make sure you were okay.”

“Me?” He leaned back in his chair. “Why wouldn't I be?”

One dark eyebrow lifted toward her hairline. “I've known you my entire life, so it's safe to say I know how you are.”

He rolled his eyes. “I'm fine. Just stressed.”

“I imagine.” Her eyes softened as she studied him. “Have you talked with⁠—”

He cut off her question with a sharp shake of his head. “No.”

He wasn't going to tell her that he'd run into Everleigh near the house just a few days ago; that would only pique her interest. He swiftly changed topics. “Between the house and everything... I've just had a lot on my mind. Sorry if I’ve been a little distant.”

“It's okay.” She waved away his apology. “I just haven't seen much of you lately and... I don't know. I kind of miss you.”

He smirked. “Did she just admit she missed him out loud?”

“Don't get used to it.” She rolled her eyes. “Things have just been... different between us.”

She wasn't wrong. Though they worked together every single day, the dynamic was different now. They both knew it was more than just the house and business Knox was struggling with. Ever since Mason had entered the picture, he had been holding her at bay.

Somehow he had let almost two months slip by without realizing how it was affecting her. He needed to get over it. He was happy that she'd found Mason–he was. But he always thought since he was the oldest he'd be settled down before her. It felt like everyone else was moving on with their lives while he was stuck in limbo. He had the business, yes. He had Vivi and his brothers from the military. But he was missing the one thing he really wanted. The one thing he wasn't sure he'd ever have.

“Sorry I've been such a jerk.” He let out a little sigh and shook his head. “I know I didn't handle it well.”

“It's fine.” Vivi pushed from her chair and rounded the desk. He stood, instinctively pulling her into a tight hug. A few seconds later she pulled back and sniffed at the air. “Do I smell smoke?”

Heat raced over his neck, and Vivi's eyes widened when she caught his guilty expression. “You’ve been smoking? Since when? God, don't you know how bad those things are for you?”

“Not you, too,” he grumbled.

“I had no idea you… Wait. What do you mean you, too?” she asked, abruptly switching topics mid-sentence. “Did someone else say that to you?”