Page 25 of One Big Little Secret

“He wasn’t shirtless?” She pauses dramatically before she bursts in my ear. “Kidding!”

Ha-ha.

I force a laugh so awkward my throat hurts.

“I mean, youcouldhave discussed other stuff,” she says. “You know, small talk. Smiled.”

“He’s my boss. It’s my job. That’s how this works.”

I hate that I have to explain what it’s like to work for a living. But honestly, I do when Kay’s powerhouse father has pulled the strings for everything she’s ever done.

“So you can introduce us?” She steamrolls right over me. “You’ve got an in now, lady. Help a girl out. I need to get serious. These good looks won’t last forever.”

I step out on the rooftop and stroll past the heated pool.

On the edge of the balcony, the breeze feels a touch chilly, but they’ve done a remarkable job of keeping this place warm.

“Look, Kay…” I stop to consider my next words.

Telling Kayla Persephone ‘no’ is not something that happens.

She takes it about as well as you’d expect. I’m pretty sure there are still royals in the world who can hear it without throwing a tantrum bigger than hers.

“I’m not trying to let you down, but this is my job. And it’s new for me, y’know? I’m trying to keep things professional.”

“Your job, yeah. Which I got you. You’re welcome, Lemmy.” Her voice is flat.

“Believe me, I know—and I appreciate it, Kay. This is such an amazing opportunity. But you know my dating life. I’m just not much of a matchmaker when I’ve been on the shelf for so long. Also, um, I don’t want my boss to think I’m trying to hook him up with my friends.”

“Oh, fine. Your job, your life, whatever. I get it.” I can practically hear her rolling her eyes. “Still, not to trash the vibe, but you could be a teensy bitgrateful.”

My throat tightens.

It takes real effort to restrain the violent insults that want to claw their way up my throat.

“Iamgrateful. You helped me tremendously as a friend and I appreciate it,” I clip.

“Well, yeah! Anytime. I mean, you’re nothooking us up. You’d be introducing us. Where’s the harm in that? Anything that happens later would be totally on me.”

“Yes, but—”

She’s animated again, acting like she can convince me to do her bidding through sheer guilt tripping force of will.

“You know he’s hot stuff on the market. The most eligible dude in KC, some say,” she tells me. “He’s also a lot less accessible than he was before, I hear. Girls used to see him atbars and such, but ever since he got on this Cardinal thing, he’s been scarce. The dude’s a workaholic and he’snoteasy to flag down.”

Right. Like that makes me feel better about setting her up with my boss, the man who legitimately rocked my world so hard it’s never been the same.

“Sure,” I say.

“You know what? All the brothers are hot, but he’s the only one left who’s really available.Withouta kid, I mean.” She pauses. “No offense.”

“None taken,” I lie. “But Kayla—”

“Salem. All my single friends wouldkillfor an in like this, and you’re holding the key.”

So will Kayla, judging by her tone. She’s already murdered her pride to go after Patton Rory like a cheetah chases down its prey.

“I get it,” I tell her. “I really do. He’s hot—I guess.”

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