Fat Cat Liar

Dad— She’s headed to the side door leading to you. She’s with two women.

“She’s coming,” I tell Clay.

Greer, Bessie, and Jenny slide in from the side, and the instant my eyes land on Greer, the air leaves my lungs.

Dad was wrong. She’s not beautiful. She’s stunning.

I’m momentarily paralyzed at the sight. The light in the room sparkles off the silver sheen of her dress, almost blinding me. Her hair is twisted in some sort of bun to one side, showing off the smooth silky skin of her neck and chest that shimmers like diamonds.

“She’s literally glowing.” Clay sounds as captivated as I am.

A sense of possessiveness rumbles low in my gut, knowing that every man in the other room is thinking the same thing.

“Who’s the brunette in the black? Is that the doctor?”

“No, you jackass, it’s Bessie. Can you shut up?” I hiss.

“These are incredible.” Greer’s voice is full of awe as she strolls between the displays.

“I can’t believe we had a part of this.” Bessie giggles beside her. “Who’d have thought this super geek would have her name on one of the largest laboratory projects in the entire world? My parents are going to flip when I finally tell them.”

“I’m not sure your parents could be any prouder of you, Bessie.” Jenny gives her a half-shoulder hug.

I tense at her statement and look at Clay, whose face has paled.

What the hell is she talking about?

The girls continue to wander through the room, quietly commenting on a few of the designs. With each passing minute, my patience grows thinner.

Finally, Jenny and Bessie excuse themselves to the ladies’ room, and I bound to my feet as soon they leave. I’m almost out of the partition when Clay’s strong hand grips my elbow and yanks me back.

“What the fu—” My words are silenced when his hand covers my mouth and he jerks his chin roughly.

My eyes go to the back of the room where a woman is waltzing toward Greer.

I recognize the strut immediately, and my skin starts to crawl.

“Fuck, what is she doing here?” Clay snarls with a wild look in his eyes, letting me go.

Greer’s head snaps up at the same time Kyra stops mid-step and covers her chest with her hand.

“Oh, I didn’t know anyone was in here.” She feigns surprise.

“I’m not sure the exhibit is open yet,” Greer tells her politely.

“No, I don’t think it is, but my curiosity got the best of me. I’m dying for a sneak peak. This new laboratory is going to change the landscape of medical design.”

“It’s definitely an exciting opportunity. By the looks of these models, the competition’s fierce.” Greer waves her hand around.

“Are you part of the Builder’s Association?” Kyra asks, moving in closer.

“No. Are you?”

“Not at all.” Kyra laughs, the pitch grating in my ears. “I’m in logistics. My company is buzzing with the news of this project. Our senior management kept it confidential and only announced it yesterday. Many of us are beside ourselves with the news.”

“Hmmm.” Greer stiffens uncomfortably.

“The secret meetings, the hushed whispers, the closed doors, it all makes sense now,” Kyra carries on, not paying attention to Greer’s reaction.