She rolled her eyes. He was a charmer. She’d known men like him her entire life. He used his charisma and good looks to get him what he wanted. He arched a brow at her.
Symone fought down the urge to snarl. Men like him were never used to being brushed off or told no.
A flurry of activity ensued as they scrambled to gather their soiled jumpsuits and towels.
Seeing the massive bearded, tattooed men scramble amused her. She noticed Monster didn’t move. It seemed preparedness was part of his persona.
“You don’t like me much do you?”
She looked up at Pan and shrugged. “I don’t know you to like or dislike you.”
“No, but I can tell. It’s like a wall of ice comes up.”
“What? Are your feelings hurt because my panties didn’t hit the floor the minute you came over and talked to me?”
“Funny, I thought you might be shy. You don’t mince your words, do you?” Pan noted with a wince.
“Don’t see a reason to,” she whispered, forcing herself to speak up. My days of silence are over.
“Tough girl. I should’ve known. That’s how all of Chase’s friends are. Maybe you’re one of her special friends.” Pan used air quotes.
The statement was enlightening. Her eyes widened.
“Oh, you didn’t know? Careful, she might try to recruit you.”
“Who says I need to be converted? Maybe we’re already on the same wavelength.”
“Your mysterious front is very intriguing.”
“Wasn’t trying to be.”
“I know, that’s the best part,” Pan teased.
She shook her head. He’s going to be extremely annoying or fun.
“Quit harassing the office manager. We’d like to hang on to this one,” Monster advised coming to stand beside them.
“I’m not bothering her.” Pan glanced at her. “Am I?”
Sandwiched between the two men, she began to feel antsy. “I’l
l get back to you on that.”
Pan’s jaw dropped.
“Is this everything?” They murmured yes and she nodded. “Thanks.” Eager to leave the circle of males she pushed the cart away. Her heels clicked on the floor and she fought to keep her stride slow. She crossed the threshold and the tension faded. There was something about Pan and Monster together that set her on edge. Being between them was like being in a force field of intensity. Right now, it was the last thing she needed. She set the bin in its designated collection spot and went back behind the desk.
The bell rang above the door and she watched Chase walk in with a pair of dark glasses, low-slung blue jeans and a rock t-shirt. She pushed the glasses up on top of her head and frowned. “Don’t tell me you’re one of those morning people.”
She smirked. “I’m used to the hours now.”
“Ugh.” Chase scoffed. “Mornings are a necessary evil I barely tolerate.”
“Late night?”
“Aren’t all the most interesting ones?” Chase lifted a thick blonde eyebrow at her.
Symone couldn’t help but laugh.