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He looks at my hand, shoes dangling in my fingers, then at my bare feet.
“Stop at Oak Street Beach on the way here, Micki?” He shakes a finger at me. “Don’t get sand all over the foyer.”
I choke back a curse. “Morning, Tyler.”
He sniffs and pushes me out of his way when I don’t address the issue or apologize.
“Morning, Elspeth,” I greet the broadly grinning receptionist, attempting a breezy air I don’t feel.
She looks around. Tyler’s already at his office door. “That Mr. Miller’s a piece of work.”
Shifting back and forth on my bare feet, embarrassment isn’t strong enough. I held my feelings in so Tyler couldn’t see, but mortification is the emotion of the moment. “I’m expecting someone from Global Security Unlimited any minute. Just send him back.”
With a smirk, she asks, “Is he cute?”
“No idea. I don’t know if I’ve ever met him.”
“So naht the guy you’re going out wit’, den.” The smirk has morphed into a high-pitched giggle. She leans over the counter and her gardenia perfume wafts in my direction. I move back from the overwhelming scent.
How does she know about JL? Not like he hangs around the office.
“He’s already in the lounge.” Unlike my esteemed colleague, she doesn’t point out the inappropriateness of my attire. A latter-day wild child, Elspeth has her shoes off all the time, cramming them on if she has to leave the security of her desk, backs broken from the practice. Fortunately, none of the lawyers come around to her side of the counter. I’m not sure what attracted her to work for an old-fashioned stuffed-shirt outfit like this.
“Fine. I’ll collect him when I’m ready.”
Once my sensible flats are securely in place, I walk back to the front desk.
“Hey, Elspeth. Could you do me a favor?”
She doesn’t even hesitate. “Sure.”
“Could you call a shoe repair place and find out if they fix Louboutin shoes?”
“Can you spell that for me?”
“L-o-u-b-o-u-t-i-n.”
“Got it. I’ll call around.”
After locating and slipping on my spare shoes, I go to the lounge. A burly guy in a gray suit looks up just as I walk in. “Hey, Ms. Press. Good to see you.”
I know him. Liam was one of Cress’ bodyguards last year. Now I guess he will be one of mine.
“Coffee?” When he nods, I fire up both Nespresso machines once more. He takes his black. I add a lot of cream to mine.
Back in my office, Liam following on my heels, I slide behind my desk.
“JL says someone’s stalking you.”
I nod, rotating my chair back and forth. Liam, sitting in one of the leather chairs on the other side of the desk, follows my movements. Bodyguards are a complication I don’t need. Sudden anger at Sam blows up in my chest and I gasp from the pain.
“You okay, Ms. Press? You’re not looking so good.”
“Fine,” I squeeze out on a breath, rubbing my chest, trying to ease the pressure.
Damn Sam and his bullshit. Who the fuck does he think he is, threatening me? He didn’t want me when he had me, so what’s changed? I feel heat surge up to my neck and my ears start to burn.Think cooling thoughts. Picture an icy stream, a snow-capped mountain, a Starbucks Frappuccino. Let the shit go.
A text message dings.
