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Once the plane landed, I ensured Irene had her carry-on and was settled with the paramedics, before exiting the terminal and walking toward baggage claim where my brother was meeting me. I hated having to check a bag, but my mom had insisted I take home sheets, towels, and a comforter she’d bought for my house.
I could pretend to be annoyed when she bought me housewares every time I saw her, but the truth was I’d have nothing nice if it wasn’t for her. Plus it made her happy.
Waiting on my suitcase to appear, I glanced over to see Addy standing there. She was dressed simply, her jeans and a sweater encasing her incredible curves. But it was the way she held her injured head which gave me pause. Dammit. I should leave her alone.
“Hey,” I greeted, walking over.
She cast me a dubious look. “Hello?”
“Do you need help with your bag or something? Or a ride home? What with your head and all?” Her shocked expression made me grip my neck in embarrassment. Meanwhile, the way her lips parted had me staring at them.
Before she could answer, a familiar voice rang out.
“Hello there.”
Watching Addy’s eyes go wide confirmed the voice could belong to none other than my younger brother, Dominic.
He’d insisted on picking me up from the airport since he was in town this week to interview new office manager candidates. Although he was my complete opposite in personality type and looks, we were close, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to have him on board with my company, Delta Security. While the company might have been my brain child, and I’d been the one to hire my contacts, most of them former military, Dominic could sell ice to a polar bear.
Considering most women had a similar reaction to his pretty-boy looks and charming smile, I shouldn’t have been surprised by my seatmate’s reaction to him, but it irritated me just the same.
“Hi,” I grunted.
His gaze ping-ponged between me and Addy. “I’m Leo’s younger brother, Dominic. Everyone calls me Nic, and you are?”
“I’m Addison. Everyone calls me Addy.” Watching her smile at him caused a kernel of resentment to take root in my stomach.
“Nice to meet you, Addy. How do you two know each other?”
I didn’t like his tone. Like he was excited by the prospect I might have met someone.
“She sat next to me on the plane. I was asking if her head was okay to drive home.”
“Are you all right?” he asked, noticing her injury.
She self-consciously touched her goose egg. “I’m fine, thank you. But judging by everyone’s reactions, I might need a lot of makeup to cover it over this week when I go to my job interviews.”
“What type of job are you searching for?”
“Office administration, reception work, or managing the office. I did all of those tasks at a medical office I recently left.”
“I have an open office manager position. You should interview.” Nic offered this as if approaching complete strangers in an airport was the way you recruited new hires.
“Absolutely not,” I blurted out before I could think how harsh it sounded.
Addison’s expression showed hurt before she narrowed her eyes. “Thanks, but if it means working with McGrumps, I’ll pass.”
Nic’s brows went sky high. Then he did what any little brother would. He laughed his ass off at her ridiculous nickname for me.
“She certainly has your number, Leo.” Turning to Addy, he added, “Please tell me you’ll consider it. I think we could use someone with a tough skin who isn’t bothered by grouchy guys in the office.”
He pulled out a business card and handed it over. My breath held, hoping she’d give it back. It was nothing personal, but I didn’t need a sexy distraction working for my company on a daily basis.
But she pocketed the card. “I’ll consider it. Thanks.” Then fixing a smile, she said, “This is my bag. Nice meeting you.” Although she glanced in my direction, it was clear the sentiment she’d just expressed didn’t apply to me.
My mind was against it, but my eyes couldn’t help tracking her as she walked out the doors and down the sidewalk.
Dominic acted as if the whole interaction with Addy had been normal. “Kelsey is at the house. Figured we’d order in tonight if you’re okay with it?”
