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Chapter Four
I nodded at Chase,to imply I was in the middle of another conversation. “Can it wait just a few?”
“It won’t take long, and it’s not top secret or anything. He can stay if he wants.”
Was it weird that Luke wouldn’t look directly at Chase, or was I searching for a distraction, outside of the way my body was screaming to be closer to Luke?
Door was open. We had witnesses. I could rein in my imagination under these circumstances.
Unless Chase wants to join us.
What the fuck, brain? No. I was not going down that path. “What’s up?” At least I could still speak normally, even if my thoughts were trying to sabotage my composure on every level.
“You and I are heading to Sacramento tomorrow, to meet face to face with Team Percival.”
“Hey, me too,” Chase said. “I have a vendor out there I need to play nice with.”
This trip wasn’t happening for me. And not only because I wasn’t ready for that much alone time with Luke. “I can’t go with you. I have too much work.” We were behind, and I was going to fly off to the other offices for what? A friendly visit? Besides, Mike already thought I was trying to overshadow him. No reason to get in his face about it.
“I need you there.” The undercurrent in Luke’s tone sent pleasant shivers up my spine. “Give me specific concerns and let me address them.”
I have too much work to dofelt pretty specific to me. “It doesn’t matter that it’s a short flight. Once you factor in travel, boarding, security, any delays, we’ve wasted at least half a day each way. And only some of that time can be used for work. Why aren’t we doing this via video? In fact, why am I involved at all, beyond the usual coordination?” Not that I minded the sound of Luke, saying I need you.
“Scott and I have some concerns about Mike, and I want you there as a second opinion, while we immerse ourselves in their culture.”
Scott was the other owner, and the genius behind Rinslet’s early tech.
I knew exactly what Luke was talking about. I had concerns about Mike’s behavior too—though that didn’t always mean anything in my case. And the more I thought about it, the less I wanted to turn down a trip with Luke, even if it was all business.
But I really did have too much work. “Mike’s going to be on his best behavior if upper management is in the office.”
“Some things can’t be hidden, especially if they’re a part of his everyday business,” Chase said.
Luke raised his eyebrows. “Did you just back me up?”
Why was he surprised? Chase was outspoken but not argumentative.
“Don’t get used to it.” The sudden edge in Chase’s voice caught me off guard.
Was there some sort of tension between the two of them I never noticed before? Who the hell knew? I hadn’t even wanted to admit until last night that Luke’s flirting meant anything.
And now that I knew, I couldn’t use that information to my advantage.
Back to business. “I don’t really have a choice, do I?” I asked.
“You always have a choice. I’d rather have you with me for this, but you get final say.” Luke sounded sincere.
“I guess I’ll go.” I let out an exaggerated sigh. We had too much work, for this to be any sort of vacation, but I didn’t want to let him down, and I was having a hard time remembering we should keep some distance between us.
Luke’s smile was warm enough to make my pulse skip. “Thank you,” he said. “I’ll have Jamie make reservations. Expect to fly out tomorrow. I’ll let you eat.” He gave me one final glance and was gone.
“Is something weird between you two?” Chase stole the question I meant to ask him.
There was no way I was giving him an honest answer. “No. Why do you say that?”
“No reason. Just curious. Eat your food before it gets cold, Annie.”
No one was allowed to call me that, except him. I had no idea why I let him get away with it, but the way he said Annie always made me smile. “I’m waiting until you leave, so I’m not rudely eating in front of you.”
