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She strode to the door and yanked it open. “Get. Out.”
He met her glare. After a deep breath that he released on a controlled exhale, he stepped out onto the porch. But when she would’ve slammed the door, he caught it in a strong, unrelenting grip. His hazel gaze locked with hers and her pulse skipped a beat.
“Eight a.m. tomorrow at Hunter headquarters. I’ll have the contract ready for when you come to your senses.”
Then he slammed the door himself, leaving her gasping in fury, with an urge to punch something.
Chapter 10
Marley parked in the back of the lot and tried to ignore the curious looks from the other people walking into the corporate headquarters of Hunter Construction, Inc. Judging by their faces, she’d have to seriously consider investing in a newer truck. She hadn’t yet because she’d been preparing to spend the next two years on a shoestring budget with the internship. Now she could afford a modest car payment. Maybe better, if Justin kept his word about the higher pay grade. Then again, maybe she shouldn’t hold her breath.
Eying the length of the parking lot, she paused before sliding from the truck. Finally, with a roll of her eyes, she slipped on her low heels and stepped from her truck with her briefcase and drafting kit. Halfway through the parked cars, she saw a black Lexus swing into the front row. When the doors opened and the Blake brothers simultaneously exited either side, her pulse increased.
She knew immediately who was who. Justin wore jeans and a sport coat, Jordan wore a suit and tie, much the same as yesterday. She studied them from behind, noting that Justin seemed taller, and a bit broader in the shoulders than his twin.
He turned toward her and flashed his heart-stopping smile. She pressed her lips together. Heart-stopping my ass. He’s gloating. A strand of hair had escaped her ponytail and blew across her face as she neared the car.
“Good morning,” Justin said.
Too bad she hadn’t kneed the creep at the bar in the balls, then she could’ve saved her punch for Justin. Now, her only choice was to ignore him. She tucked her drafting kit under her arm so she could yank the annoying curl from her eyes.
“Morning, Ms. Wade,” Jordan said from the driver’s side. He cast about a furtive glance. “I don’t see your lawyer. Will he—or she—be joining us later, or were you telling the truth yesterday?”
Wiseass, she thought as he grinned. She liked him already.
“Shut up, Jordan,” Justin muttered.
Finally, she offered up a sweet smile. “I don’t lie, Mr. Blake.”
Jordan laughed. Justin scowled. She didn’t feel bad about the obvious dig. Like she’d really forgive and forget so easily just because he was the boss now? Hell no. She stepped onto the sidewalk where they waited for her.
“Please, call me Jordan.”
She grasp
ed the hand he extended. He retained his grip an extra second or two. From the corner of her eye she noticed Justin watching their exchange. She gave a final shake and pulled away. “About yesterday—”
Jordan shook his head and walked toward the doors. “Already forgotten.”
She smiled her thanks, but he was two steps ahead. Damn these shoes. Justin matched his long stride to hers, making her even more self-conscious.
Jordan swung around suddenly. “Although, any time you want to replay that swing of yours, I’d love to see it again.”
Heat warmed her cheeks, and she cast a quick glance at Justin to see his jaw clenched hard. Jordan chuckled before he opened the door and disappeared. Justin caught the door, motioning her ahead of him. She hesitated before stepping past, only to have to turn back to him for direction.
“Since you fired me, do I need to redo my paperwork?”
“No,” he said in a low tone, his brows drawn together in a frown. “There are just a few things you need to sign for your contract. If you follow me, I’ll show you your office.”
Her own office? She hadn’t expected that. Then again, she didn’t really know what to expect. A bit of her resentment seeped away. Just a tiny bit. At the elevators she said, “You didn’t really have to do a contract.”
“Oh, yes I did.” He jabbed the up arrow.
The doors slid open and they stepped inside. Silence dragged until the doors dinged at the third floor. Marley exited after him, her jaw clenched as tight as his. Dammit, she had nothing to feel bad about here.
Bonnie sat at her desk and Marley started to walk past, then turned. “Sorry I hung up on you yesterday.”
The receptionist’s smile morphed from hesitant to warm. “Don’t worry about it. I’m glad to see you’re back.”
