AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Too bad for you then.” I smiled.
“Yeah.” Her lips curled wryly. “Can't even be as bad of a bitch as I want.”
“I’d say you manage pretty well.”
“Why, thank you,” she said softly as she put a hand to my chest, pushing lightly. I soaked in the warmth from her palm through the layers of fabric. “Too close.”
Dammit.
I drew back a little.
“Are my nonexistent charms affecting you?”
She snickered. “I just need some air.”
The door opened just then, startling us both a bit. I drew away from her and she adjusted her coat nervously. Damien walked in carrying a tablet. I watched her eyes take him in as he walked toward us. He moved with quiet authority. A solidness about him that said he was comfortable with his place in the world. He had an easy self-confidence.
Yes, the guy was good looking. Tight legs and arms that looked strong. Very dark hair that suited his complexion and deep eyes that seemed to have sadness permanently etched in them. I heard women liked things like that. I was surprised to see him here like this. Most of the time, we just ignored each other's existence. We had no business together.
“Dr. Palmer, Damien Cannan. Chemical engineer and stepbrother,” I introduced, “Damien, Dr. Amy Palmer.”
I watched them shake hands, feeling a little irritated for no apparent reason. I didn’t miss the interest in his eyes or the quick scan of her body. But it was the smile they shared that really put me off. I hadn’t even gotten a genuine smile from her.
“Daniel, a word?” he said once introductions were over.
“Sure. But first let me see Dr. Palmer to the elevator. We have a few final things to discuss.”
We stepped out together, silent as we waited for the elevator to arrive.
“You like the stepbrother?”
“Jealous, are we?”
“More like curious. You're an enigma, Amy Palmer. Perhaps if I understood your taste in men, I would get closer to understanding you.”
“I'll take that as a compliment. You're not too insufferable yourself. Sometimes.” She rocked on her heel, not meeting my eyes.
“Why, thanks.” A mocking smile touched my lips.
“But I still hate your guts.”
“And I hate your sass.”
“Guess we agree on something, then.” Her elevator arrived, and she stepped in. “Look forward to working together.”
“I'll send you the updated contract tonight,” I said. She nodded, the door closing, but the final frame of her face seared in my mind.
I strolled back into the laboratory, seeing Damien had taken Amy’s seat. I sat back in mine, giving him an impatient look.
“So, what is it?”
He set his tablet down and took out some of them.
“I've drafted some ideas to manage this situation in case you would be interested in looking at any of them.”
“Why?” I asked. He was so indecipherable and unlike Jamie and Xavier, had no obvious motive or angle that I could think of.
“You seem to be getting nowhere. I'm just a concerned party,” he said rather bluntly.
