Page 67 of Crude Heir

“Well, the work Elena did might clear up a lot,” I say, distracted with the possibility of being able to finish the review before the end of the night.

“How?” he asks.

“If Elena can verify that Bill’s approvals are legitimate expenses, then I can exclude all those she coded.”

Elena puts the plate down. “Yes, he confirmed all those. I can go back and check the high-dollar invoices that were forwarded to him, just in case.”

I turn to Addler. “And I assume you trust Bill Conners?”

He nods. “With my life,” he affirms confidently.

“Think you can bring him in to help tomorrow morning?” Derrick suggests. “We have a lot of area to cover.”

“I can arrange that.” Addler pulls out his cell.

“We can set up at the table once we’re done,” Elena offers, filling another dinner plate. “That’s where I’ve been working the last few days.”

Anticipation bubbles up inside me. Having this kind of support after the boss dismissed the information I provided is empowering and terrifying at the same time. With any luck, we’ll get everything sorted out tomorrow.

Chapter 26

Derrick

I step out of the shower, a towel wrapped loosely around my waist. The steam from the hot water fogs up the mirror, blurring my reflection as I put paste onto my toothbrush.

Damn, Addler has a great setup in that shower. It turns my thoughts from today’s excursion to looking for a place for myself, well, for us. The updated bathroom is going to the top of the list. Hell, I may have to have something built instead. It’s not something I considered since I was traveling a lot.

Curious as to her opinion on the multiple showerheads, I push the door open and step into the bedroom. My gaze immediately falls on Nicole. She’s just inside the closet, in front of a full-length mirror, her white shirt pulled up to her waist, revealing some black leggings that mold to her figure.

“Oh, hell no,” I roar from around the toothpaste filling my mouth.

Startled, she turns in my direction, dropping the blouse. “What?” She’s wearing leggings, the fabric clinging to her curves in a way that brings my cock to attention in less than two seconds.

“You’re not seriously thinking you’re going anywhere in those things?” While the leggings, blouse, and flowing curls make her look incredibly hot, they’re far too revealing for a day surrounded by the swarms of oilfield workers that will be at the office.

She smooths down the blouse. “Now, Derrick—”

“No-no-no.” I run straight through, not bothering to choose my words carefully. “We’re going to be around a bunch of field guys today.”

Nicole’s expression shifts to mild annoyance. “They’re just leggings, Derrick. What’s the big deal?”

“They don’t need to be drooling over your ass,” I explain, trying to keep my tone even.

She purses her lips, glancing away. My conscience bothers me at the thought that what I said could have hurt her in some way. I approach her, not knowing how to explain that I want to start beating my chest and dragging her away whenever I think of another man looking at her.

Nicole looks away, a hint of annoyance and understanding in her eyes. “Fine. I’ll change into a dress.” She starts working on the top button of the blouse.

“I’d prefer it,” I answer shortly, watching her open each button, to reveal the skin beneath.

“Just remember this moment if the wind picks up.” She pulls the blouse down one arm. “Because I might end up flashing my underwear at one of those guys you’re worried about.” She pivots, bending a knee to thrust out the cheek I was working on yesterday. “Then they’ll see more than this.” She sets a finger on her chin. “Maybe I should change into cuter panties.”

Point taken.Her words hit me like a freight train. I exhale sharply, deciding to go with the truth I’m struggling with. “Look, I’m…having these…”spit it out, damn it.“I’m jealous as hell, and I have no idea how to deal with this.”

She lowers her heel, closing the blouse as her expression softens. “What have you done in the past?”

I shake my head. “Never had this happen before,” I admit. “Before this weekend, I would have told you I’m not the jealous type.”

She gives a gentle smile, her shoulders relaxing slightly.

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