He pauses before leaving. “No and yes. No, she’s not a stripper. She’s a former escort. And yes, Elaine knows. I’m hoping she’ll help us. Wish me luck.”
“Don’t get lucky!”
“Too late.”
My mouth drops open as I watch him climb in the waiting Charger and drive away. The sound of my phone buzzing snaps me out of it, and I see a text from Derek.
Sleep well?
I pick up the device and quickly type back. Two house guests last night. You’ve got some explaining to do.
See you soon.
We exchange I love you; I love you mores, and it appears that’s as much information as I’m going to get. And it’s pissing me off.
Chapter 4: A Physical Reminder
Derek
Fucking Houston took longer than I planned.
Between filtering through their myriad of networks and users and their lax social media policy, half the computers had viruses and the other half had unnecessary virus protection added. I don’t finish the analysis until late Wednesday.
Nikki is sitting at the front desk waiting, perky as ever, when I present her with the package.
“Happy leap year.” Keeping the frustration out of my voice is difficult.
“What’s this, boss?”
Remembering my new leaf, I soften my tone. “I need you to mail that to our new Houston client. And I’ve got a surprise for you.”
Her dark brow arches.
“Take the rest of the week off. With pay.”
Instead of squealing, she leans back in her chair. “Is it that bad?”
I feel my own brow furrow in response. “What?”
“Look, I know you think I’m just a dumb blonde, but you’re wrong. Something’s going on, and it’s something with Melissa.”
For a split second, I almost lose it, but I recover fast—poker face back in place. “Melissa’s fine.”
“I know she’s fine. We text pretty regularly. But whatever has you so edgy is about her, and don’t try to tell me it isn’t.”
Fuck. The tension creeps up my back again.
Why didn’t I go solo after Stuart left? Patrick was a real test of my patience, but Nikki might push me over the cliff. I don’t need an office manager. I handle my own travel plans now, and half the time I even answer my own damn phone.
But Melissa likes her.
“I’m working on something,” I say, calming the adrenaline spike in my veins. “And I’m handling it. There’s no need to worry Melissa.”
Her blue eyes roam around my face searching for clues. Nikki has pretty much pissed me off since Day 1, but if she can keep her mouth shut now, I’ll let all of it go.
We face each other for a few, tense seconds before she nods. “I won’t say anything.”
“Thank you.”