Page 45 of It Starts With A No

He couldn’t help but smile. “You’re easily amused.”

“Why so serious?” She gasped when she noticed the display fridge at the far side of the open space that served as a pantry and rest area. “I’d love to have a slice of cake.” She weaved through the small round tables and chairs and bent forward to study the different cakes available.

“I don’t think you’re supposed to play around with God’s words.”

“God’s big.” She gave a casual wave of her hand. “He can handle it.” She glanced at him. “Or are you going to complain about me to the people picketing outside your office?” She straightened. “I’ve never actually seen people picketing. I wonder what it’s like.”

“Stay away from them.”

She arched a brow. “Not too long ago, you thought I was one of them.” Shaking her head, she turned back to the display case. “It’s so sad, isn’t it?”

“What’s so sad about it? Pathetic? Yes. Nonsensical? Yes.” He went around the counter and slid the fridge door aside after grabbing a plate.

She pointed at the strawberry shortcake and grinned at him like a child in a candy store.

She rubbed her hands together, then winced slightly before dropping her hands.

“Be careful,” he said while shooting a glare at her bandaged hand.

“I hate this bandage, but I love desserts.”

“I can see that.” He grabbed a fork, then went back around toward her.

When Oliver first suggested the pantry, bean bags, and massage chairs, Seth had thought his brother was insane. But he’d allowed it since Oliver would be working here. Just because he was the boring one didn’t mean everyone else had to suffer with him.

He didn’t care what they put in the office.

“Lots of Christmas decorations, too,” she said as she made her way to the closest table. “Did you do it to spite the people picketing?”

“I think we have people in charge of decorations. I don’t care what they do, as long as they don’t touch my office.” Seth put the cake down on the table. “Your office and home don’t have any Christmas decorations either, besides that Christmas tree.”

“It feels silly to decorate the mansion when I’m there by myself. And I guess maybe Hugh had the same philosophy as you. Are you going to have any?” she asked when he sat across from her.

“No.”

She pouted. “I can’t eat if you’re not eating.”

“Why not?”

“It’s weird,” she said, tucking her hair behind her ear.

Seth’s gaze landed on the ring on her finger. “It’s too loose.” It was simply a replacement for the ring he caused her to lose, but why did it feel so good to see her wearing something of his?

“It’s perfect.” She pushed her thumb against the silver band to re-center the diamond. “I always wear a ring slightly loose. I hate to feel it constricting my finger.” She brushed her hair over her shoulder, and the rose gold bracelet around her wrist dropped further down her forearm.

“I should’ve gotten a rose gold band,” he said. “The sales assistant said it was in fashion.”

“It’s beautiful as it is.” She bit down on her lips. “I should pay you back for this, though. It must have been expensive.”

He ran his tongue under his teeth, stopping at his chipped canine. “Treat it as a bribe to get you to help me.” Which was all this was.

Her smile faded. “It’s just a text message.” Her brows flicked up. “An expensive one.”

“I’m kidding.” Was he?

She forced a smile without any of the luster her genuine smiles had.

He pointed to the cake that seemed to excite her so. “Eat. I have to get home by twelve.”

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