Page 81 of One Big Little Secret

“So, you’re the one who knows how to relax? When there isn’t something to prove, I mean?”

“Is that so hard to believe?” I’m incredulous.

She considers it, looking me up and down with a straight face.

“You kinda suck,” she says, breaking into a smile that kills me. “But not all the time. I’ll give you that.”

Holy shit, stop the presses.

“Is that a compliment?”

She ducks her head as her cheeks burst pink, a few more strands of hair falling from her bun. No surprise, really. Her hair looks so silky it’s amazing it stays pinned up at all.

I wonder how she’d feel if I brushed them back behind her ears.

Would I be able to do it without giving in to the urge to fist her hair?

Shit, what would her skin feel like under my fingers? It’s been so long and she was so soft, I’ve almost forgotten how—

No.

Dangerous, dangerous thoughts.

“Sorry for dumping the Minnesota research on your pile,” I say. Back to work. Safe ground. “It’s helping, though, and we’re closing in on a decision soon. I can stick around and help you sort the latest stuff, if you’d like.”

Her finger stills from tapping her desk idly. She sends me a compulsive glance.

“Help?”

“I’ve been doing the legwork with new ventures for a while. While it’s all very tentative right now, we’re looking at moving forward. We just need a little more time to ensure the big investment in these cabins will pay off.”

“I never thought it wasn’t serious,” she says, but she doesn’t start working again. She also doesn’t look at me. The desk holds all her attention. “And I appreciate the offer, but I work on stuff like this better when I’m alone.”

“You’re like me, then.”

“What? You’re a spreadsheet loner, too?”

“Something like that. Not having to constantly communicate every last thought feels refreshing; it streamlines things. Even if teamwork is a necessity.”

“Your brothers are that hard on you, huh?”

I glare.

“I wouldn’t call that teamwork, more like obligation. Still, we get along well enough to keep growing. We can cooperate.”

“It’s funny. Before I came here, I never imagined there was so much internal friction with the articles written about Higher Ends. You’re lucky the press hasn’t picked up on it,” she says, and I can’t tell if she’s teasing.

“We’re mature enough to keep our shit-flinging private.”

“Smart.” She nods, tucking a lock of that dark hair behind her ear. “I actually had something I wanted to ask you, though…”

I stare at her, noting the way shestillwon’t meet my gaze.

“Spit it out. I won’t bite,” I say, more dryly than intended.

“I just wanted to know if it was okay if I head out a little early today? Once I get my work done, I mean. Arlo has a karate lesson tonight and I can’t be late.”

“For sure,” I say, wondering why she even needs to ask permission. Unless one of the staff—who seem to adore her—were to tell someone, I’d never know. “Your hours aren’t as important as the deadlines. I’ve told you before. As long as you wrap up your work and sign everything off for our overnight guy, you can leave when you’d like.”

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