Page 94 of Deep Tide

“See something you like?”

She whirled around.

Gagnon sauntered down the hallway, highball glass in hand. Where had he come from? Her shoulders tensed as he stopped beside her and smiled. He smelled like weed, and his eyes looked dilated.

“You’re the caterer, right?”

“Leyla Breda.” She stuck out her hand. “Just In Thyme Catering.”

He shook her hand, smiling slyly as he looked her over. He had longish dark hair and more of a tan than she would have expected for a tech executive. But then, he clearly spent a lot of his time outside the office.

He turned to the pictures. “You like these?”

“Yes.”

“Ever been to the North Shore?”

She glanced at him. Was he screwing with her?

“That’s in Oahu,” he added.

“I haven’t,” she said. “Looks beautiful, though.”

He tipped his head to the side, still giving her that cocky smile that she was used to seeing in bars.

“Sex on the Beach?”

“Excuse me?”

He lifted his drink.

“I’m good,” she said. “Thanks.”

“I insist.”

He offered her the glass again. Annoyed, she accepted it and took a small sip.

“Not bad,” she said.

“Have the rest.”

“Thanks, but I can’t. I’m working.”

“Can’t you take a break?”

“Nope.”

“Not even with the host of the party?”

“Especially not with the host.”

He sighed and shook his head. “Too bad, Leyla.”

“Well.” She forced a smile. “I’m sure your friends are hungry. I should get dinner out.”

“You do that.” He smiled. “And hit me up later if you want a drink.”

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