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“N-nothing!” I try to hide my screen for some reason, which only makes me look guilty, and KC cackles.

“Watching porn on company time, huh? Nice.” He grins, waggling his brows.

“I am not.”

“Sure.” He turns toward Ryann’s office, holding up a cup of coffee. “Just bringing Ry his order since someone messed it up this morning.”

Wait... what?

I frown, something pinching in my chest as KC shuts the office door behind him, giving them privacy.

A few more emails trickle in, but I can’t focus. My eyes keep drifting to the office door, and the longer they’re in there, the hotter my gut burns. After twenty minutes, I push away from my desk, the frustration bubbling over.

Swiping my badge, I shove open the door, expecting to find them in a compromising position. Instead, Ryann looks aggravated at his computer while KC lounges in a chair, scrolling TikTok. They glance up at me, eyebrows raised, and I freeze.

“Did you need something?” Ryann asks, clearly annoyed, so I do the only thing I can think of.

I point at KC. “Him. I need to talk to him.”

Without waiting for a response, I march over and drag KC out of the office while Ryann mutters something like thank fuck under his breath.

“What’s up, cutie?” KC reaches up to pinch my cheek, but I swat his hand away.

“Don’t ever do that again.” Licking my lips nervously, I stare down at my shoes, hating the words about to come out of my mouth. “Do you, uh... wanna hang out today? With me?”

A delighted smile splits his face as he bounces on his feet, instantly making me regret all my life choices. “Hell yes! Your place or mine?”

“Yours,” I respond quickly. “Definitely yours.”

No way am I letting Dad meet him. I don’t need the bigoted lecture, thanks.

“Cool. Let’s exchange numbers so I can text you the deets.”

Reluctantly, I hand him my phone, already cringing. But it’s too late now, and I’ve somehow agreed to dinner at his place. Mom’s gonna be thrilled. So will Doctor Iskar, I guess.

Look at that, Doc. I made a friend. Sort of. Reluctantly. Against my will.

God, this blows.

“See you after work, bestie.” KC throws me a wink before skipping off, leaving me grimacing as I slump back into my chair. I momentarily forget about sabotaging Ryann—at least until I hear him shout my name, and I make a beeline for the bathroom to hide for the next half-hour.

After that, I wander around the building, exploring places my badge will let me access. This place is huge—a whole fourth floor dedicated to a gym, a rec room with video games, and an outdoor garden. But the Research and Development department? Not on the map. Bummer.

It isn’t until a text comes through that I realize my shift is over.

YourNewBFF:

Hey, it’s KC :) meet me in the lobby and I’ll drive you to my apartment.

Scowling, I change his contact name to Kansas before shoving my phone into my pocket. Maybe I can sneak out the back. Make up an excuse—family emergency, or something.

As I tip-toe back to my desk to grab my bag, I glance into Ryann’s office and find it empty, a breath of relief leaving my lungs.

I’m almost home-free... until the elevator doors open downstairs, revealing my boss standing there with an outraged expression.

“I’ve been looking for you for an hour,” he snaps, glaring as he steps back to let me out.

“Uh... couldn’t find the paper clips,” I mumble, trying to dart around him. His arm shoots out, enveloping me in the warm leather scent of his cologne as he leans down.