Boss of Me

She stands behind her desk, which is directly across the corridor from my office and holds out a stack of papers. “They’re right here.”

Taking them from her, I flip to the last page to see all three signatures. Yes. My gaze lifts to the closed door of Raquel’s office, and the self-destructive part of me wants to invite her to join us and celebrate. I don’t like eating crow, but it’s possible Taron was right about her. If we can keep everyone in his or her own lane.

I’m the problem this time. I can’t stop thinking about her in inappropriate ways. When she stumbled into me in the conference room earlier, I didn’t want to let her go. She’s so light in my grip, I could’ve easily pulled her to me and kissed her. The realization tightens my chest and causes my heart to beat faster. I wanted to kiss her.

Inviting her to join us is out of the question.

“Anything else?” Sandra’s red lips curl up on one side, and she smirks like she knows everything I’m thinking.

Normally, I’d be pissed, but Sandra started working in this office while I was still in the military. When dad retired and I took over, she fell right in line. She has never tried to go behind my back or talked about how my dad used to do things.

It goes a long way with me.

Passing back the contracts, I shake my head. “This was the main thing I needed. If Hastings or Key calls, text me.” Pausing, I lean closer. “It’s okay if you want to mention Madagascar is on board, and we’re meeting with Abu Dhabi next week.”

She smiles big then. “It’s all coming together.”

I tap my knuckles on her desk and join Taron and Marley at the elevator. Approaching them, I consider this day is the yin and the yang. Good things are happening, but fuck if the problems aren’t trying to ruin everything.

Marley lifts a tumbler of scotch. “The three musketeers reunited.” He slams it back and winces. “Only D’Artagnan is in fucking Louisiana growing peaches.”

Taron eases off his stool with a low groan. We’ve been at the bar two hours, and I’m on my third drink. Taron’s had one more than me, but the pain he’s feeling is stronger than the liquor.

We’ve talked about boot camp, pranks we pulled on plebes, girls Marley sneaked into the barracks, girls Taron sneaked into the barracks. Sawyer’s insistence on being a fucking peach farmer, and how much money he’s giving up…

“Can you handle him alone?” Taron leans heavily toward me, and I see his expression is pained. “I’ve got to head out.”

“You okay?” The last thing I need is Taron falling apart.

He cuts his eyes, and worry cuts through my gut. “I’m not getting into it tonight.”

“We’ll talk about it tomorrow.”

“With Raquel?” He grins, polishing off the last of his whiskey.

I’m just relaxed enough to throw him a bone. “I’m willing to consider the possibility she might be a good hire.”

“Ha!” He’s loud and pointing at me. “Consider it? Try believing it. She is good.”

“I was impressed today.” Something like pride unfurls low in my stomach, which is ridiculous. “Get some rest. We’ll talk tomorrow.”

I watch him go, and as he passes between the two bars, I hear a loud laugh. Lingering in the neutral space, my eyes roam around the secondary bar, and I see her. She’s standing there alone, which surprises me. She doesn’t seem like the type to go to a bar alone.

Her head turns, and as if by force of will, her blue eyes connect with mine. Those blue eyes… I feel them in my chest, ticking my heart rate higher, drawing me to her. The fucking invisible current between us grows stronger. I flex against it, but I can’t fight it. Her eyes narrow in defiance, and it’s like a match to my simmering desire.

She isn’t afraid of me.

She should be afraid of me.

7

Raquel

My insides were all knotted and warring after Patton left me in the conference room. On the one hand, I was pissed he couldn’t even admit the role I played in keeping Madagascar onboard. On the other hand, the way he touched me… He’s always so fiercely in control. Would it hurt to thank someone for helping him?

Back in my office, I scoop up my phone and hit Renée’s number.

She answers on the first ring. “Sea and Things, how can I help you?”