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Carter shoved his hands into his pockets then turned his full attention to every patron in the bar, scanning them as if for a distinct purpose. A second of creepy crawlies rushed down my spine. “Maybe we can talk later?”
He nodded several times before gazing into my eyes. “I’d like that. There are some things that need to be said.” Every word was clipped but imploring. Was this guy actually trying to be possessive? Really? “Why don’t you stay and have a beer? On the house.”Why don’t you leave?I tried to keep a warm smile, but I had the distinct feeling he knew I wanted him out of the bar.
Hesitating, he leaned over the bar. “Tell you what, I’ll call you later and see if you can talk. Maybe we can have lunch tomorrow. You and I need to get together. I won’t take no for an answer. Here’s my number in case you need to get ahold of me.” Yanking a bar napkin then a pen from his pocket, he scribbled down a number. What he’d forgotten was that I knew his number, for business purposes of course. It was even on speed dial on my old phone. Well, not any longer.
“Lunch would be great.” This time, I managed a practiced smile, even running my finger along the edge of the blood-red rose for effect. He seemed satisfied with my answer, tapping his hand on the bar and taking a long stride away. What did the man actually say to me? I was riled at his words alone, the swaggering persona. I had never noticed this before. Then again, our conversations had been held after his repair of my toilet.
What the hell had I been thinking going out with him? Even once? I folded the napkin, as if I was going to keep it. Why did he want to talk to me so badly?
After reaching the entrance, he turned once again. His vacillating gesture and directed gaze were more dominating than I remembered. They were also protective, as if I had already become his property. No way. I decided right then and there that I would have lunch with the man, and he would know without a shadow of a doubt about the status of our relationship.
There wasn’t one.
The forceful way he closed the door made me jump.
“Who the hell was that dude?” Daphne asked.
I glared down at the flowers before dropping them into the trash along with the napkin. How would he react when he couldn’t get in touch with me? “Just a guy. Does some work at my place occasionally.” I had a terrible feeling the man wasn’t going to leave me alone.
“Not bad eye candy. I bet he’s good in the sack.” Winking, Daphne rustled the trash.
“I wouldn’t know.” And I’d never know. I was left unnerved, my thoughts becoming irrational. The incident the night before had certainly left me on edge, my sixth sense working overtime. “I think you have customers, missy.”
“Slave driver.”
“That’s why they call me the boss.”That’s why they pay me the big bucks.Snickering, I rolled my eyes and continued to set up for the night’s adventure, praying to God everything would be quiet.
Every time the door opened, I braced for the worst, hoping to see Blade’s face. Carter’s sudden appearance weighed on my mind, leaving me prepared to end what never had an opportunity to begin in my office. Neither occurred and when Brad showed up, I had a sense of relief, heading back to my office to figure out exactly what Carl had managed to do.
The peace and quiet was exactly what I needed, even though my thoughts continued to drift to Blade. Who was he? Where had he come from? What was he doing here? I answered the last question easily. He was hiding out. From whom and why? Prison? I certainly hadn’t heard of a prison break. I honestly couldn’t picture him as being a corporate type, even though it was obvious just how intelligent he was. Every other story conjured up in my mind seemed unlikely at best, even dramatic.
After a few minutes, I was able to delve into the books, quickly going over the past two months. What I hadn’t noticed was a similar discrepancy two weeks before and two weeks before that. Almost like clockwork. All I could tell was that payments had been made to a company I’d never heard of and whose invoices I’d never seen. The payments were hidden in other exchanges, and it took some time to figure out. The lying, conniving asshole. Carl was fired. That was certain.
Huffing, I composed an email to the owner, realizing my management skills were being tested. I was always so conscientious. Yes, Carl had been given the authority to handle aspects of the accounting procedures, but a red flag should have presented itself long before. I’d need to meet with Mr. Walters to get to the bottom of what was going on. Maybe there was work being done I didn’t know about. Then why did the books not balance the night before? There were too many questions with zero good answers.
Perfect. Another mystery in my life.
My relative peace was short lived, Daphne barging in after less than an hour to myself.
“He’s here.”
“Who?” My mouth was dry as I studied her face, every muscle in my body tensing. Carter. He’d actually come back. Fan-fucking-tastic.
“That man. The sexy Viking.” When I narrowed my eyes in confusion, she cocked her head. “You know, Blade. And he’s asking for you.” Daphne fanned her face. “And he’s looking particularly hot tonight. I served him a drink. Honey, if you don’t want him, I certainly do.”
I realized my nipples were suddenly tight, pressing hard against my tee shirt. I also had difficulty standing, my legs quivering to the point where I was forced to grip the edge of my desk. Every inch of my skin was on fire from my nasty thoughts alone.Get your mind out of the gutter.Swallowing, I did my best to disguise my hormones. “Any sign of the bastards?”
“Not a peep, but I will say even the regulars are spooked. I have a very bad feeling, boss lady. What do you think they’re going to do?”
They had every reason to be petrified. “Honestly, I have no idea. I’ll be there in a minute. Just try and relax. Hit 9-1-1 if there’s any sign of trouble.”
“Oh, don’t worry.” Daphne hovered in the doorway.
“What is it, Daphne?”
“What do you know about this guy? Blade, I mean.”
“Absolutely nothing except he likely saved our lives.” I glanced at the file I was working on as well as the email I was prepared to send. Maybe moving out of the city wasn’t a bad idea. After this, I certainly didn’t think I was going to have a job. Mr. Walters had a soft spot for me, but money was money.
