Page 103 of Unexpected Hero

Freya’s head thrusts backward as incredulousness coats her features. “Why would he get in trouble?”

“Because he’s not supposed to be involved with staff. And for the record, we’re only friends. He hasn’t touched me again since we kissed.” I tug in a sudden swell of air, creating a hissing sound through my teeth and nostrils. “Forget I said that last part.”

She snorts, smacking her upper thighs. What the hell is so funny? I suddenly feel as lost as last year’s Easter egg.

I’m having a mini crisis over here. The least she could do is give me a moment to flip out.

My hands cup to my cheeks like the kid from that old Christmas movie. “What’s that look for?”

“Honey, this is a look of pity.” I don’t get the feeling she’s teasing me, despite her words.

My hand flies to my chest. “Pity? Why? Am I going to get fired for kissing him? It happened before I even interviewed.”

She shushes me. “Calm down, Lettie. He’s not in trouble, and neither are you. Why do you think he can’t have a relationship with staff?”

I grab a pen from the desk and start clicking the button on top rapidly, giving myself something to focus on besides my dumbfounded panic. “Because he’s a floor monitor. Isn’t that the policy?”

“No. Not at all. And if it were, there’d be no monitors willing to work here.”

“What? Are you telling me they all engage in... you know... with the staff?”

She nods. “And the members.”

My veins turn to ice. “Why that egg suckin’ dawg,” I whisper-yell.

Freya tries to hold back her chuckle at my expression but fails. “Who told you about this make-believe policy?”

My face falls slack as my gut twists and coils.

He lied to me. That asshole.

I meet her eyes, shocked to see genuine concern carved into her features, from her wide eyes to the gentle purse of her lips. At first, I thought Freya was a bit vapid. But she’s not. In fact, she’s caring and kind.

As my stunned response to his deceit fades into sadness, my lips roll into a pronounced pout. “James lied to me.”

Everyone lies to me.

“Well, he may be quiet, mysterious, and crazy sexy, but he’s still a man.” She rubs my shoulder soothingly. “Men do dumb shit. It’s part of what makes them men. I think that’s what the Y chromosome is for.”

A ghost of a laugh breaks free, threatening to shake me from my sudden sullenness. I shake my head a few more times, searching for something to excuse his deceit. “Why would he lie about that?”

“I don’t know. But I can help you get payback whenever you’re ready. A thumbtack in the nut sack would work nicely.”

As she stands to greet the person who just cleared the bouncer, she winks at me.

I’ve never been one for vengeance. Even without the church’s influence on my upbringing, I’ve always been a fan of turning the other cheek. But if he doesn’t tell me why he lied, I just might change my stance on the topic.

Chapter 19

Big girls don't cry

LETTIE

“Good night, Freya. Thanks for everything.”

She waves before ducking into her car. “See ya tomorrow night, kid.”

My hands shake as I fumble for my keys. Klutz mode activated after an exhausting and emotional night.

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