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“Touch me and I’ll break your hands,” I threaten mildly.
“His hands sign contracts for me,” Caleb cuts in. His tone is light as he takes the seat next to me, suggesting, “Go for the nose. He’s especially proud of it.”
“What is this, a fucking support group?” I ask with disgust, taking the hot dog held out to me.
“Lucas says you’ve been distracted lately,” Caleb says, biting into his food with relish.
For a few moments, I allow myself to imagine them, hunched over their phones while gossiping about me. The vision is so funny that I smirk.
“I hired an assistant,” I inform Caleb.
“So I heard.” After pausing to wait for me to say something else, he asks, “How’s Lana?”
What he’s implying is clear, but I pretend not to understand. “I’m not her babysitter.”
Lucas grins. “I sure hope not.”
I’m not sure what they think they know, but I’m not telling them jack shit.
“How was your trip?” I ask, knowing Caleb is immersed in some personal affairs that have him a little on edge.
Just as I had anticipated, his expression grows dark, and the conversation is guided into neutral territory by Lucas.
* * *
When I head back to the office, Lana’s in a deep discussion with Elise, who seems tense. The former glances in my direction, her posture turning rigid.
Internally, I get firm control over the way my chest throbs in response.
I nod to both before Lana’s voice stops me in my tracks. Shifting sideways, I see her striding determinedly toward me, her expression set.
I wait until she reaches me. “Yes?”
Now that she’s in front of me, she appears agitated. “Jace Hunter. He’s a junior executive in the Finance department.”
I recall the name. I’ve been reviewing some of his projects.
Lana plows on. “Ever since the first few files you had me go through, I’ve been sorting the employee files. I’ve highlighted some, and I left them with your assistant.”
The resentment in her eyes at the mere mention of Valerie shouldn’t delight me. But it does.
“Jace has been passed over for a promotion several times. I’ve started hearing he’s receiving offers from other firms, firms that he’s worked with as a liaison.” Lana takes a deep breath. “His file is the top one. His supervisor is Siemens Warte.”
I can’t help but snort at the name. I was aware of him as well.
“It’s an odd name, I agree.” Lana’s lips twitch even as she tries to control them. “I’ve left my notes on both files. They might be of help. You might want to interview them.”
From her expression, it’s like she wants to say more. I wait, patience a gift I possess unlimited amounts of. ?
?Is there something else on your mind?”
Her sulky pout on her lips is the most endearing thing I’ve ever seen in my life. I have the urge to kiss it away, but she’s not mine, and she doesn’t want to be.
She struggles, an almost visible effort, then asks, “Valerie… how long have you known her?”
Jealousy?
“A while,” I say nonchalantly. “Like I said, she used to work with me. She knows all my habits and quirks. Plus, she’s easy to talk to.”
