Page 34 of Alpha Bait

"I've already emailed you the report."

"Great."

Jamal kept leaning against my door frame, watching me with his penetrating brown eyes. I could always tell when my brother wanted more from me than what he was letting on.

"This isn't about work, is it?"

"Yes and no."

"Spill. Is there some kind of trouble?"

"No," he replied, "no trouble. Not yet."

"Okay..."

He approached my desk and sat across from me, leaning over the desk and giving me a broad grin that indicated what he wanted to ask me was unpleasant. I waited, silent and patient for him to spill what was on his mind.

"Are you seeing anybody, Indie?"

The first time he'd asked the question, I'd thought nothing of it. This time, my heart skipped a beat.

"What's it to you?"

"It's a simple question, Indie."

"No," I lied.

My heart thudded against my rib cage so hard I thought Jamal could see the muscle pulsing through my chest.

"So there's no special guy?"

"No," I replied, "and no special girl either."

He smirked.

"Right. We need to discuss that Indie."

"Why?"

"Because it's no longer acceptable."

"What are you talking about?"

"You and I both know how hard it can be to date as a Holloway."

I snorted, "I've had worse luck than you."

He grinned, "All your bad luck is about to come to an end. I want to set you up with someone."

"Not interested."

I turned my attention to my computer, hoping my lack of interest would shoo Jamal away.

"Indie, look at me."

I rolled my eyes.

"What?"

---