Page 58 of Hidden Chance

“What do you mean?”

“I looked into him.”

“What? Why?”

“Because he needed looking into. There are important pieces missing in his file.”

“Please, Pike, leave it alone. I don’t want to ruin some poor guy’s life because he thought he had a chance with me.”

“I saw you slap him. It must have been serious.”

“Will you please let me handle it my way?”

“You’re a very stubborn woman. Did you know that?”

“I’ve been told that before, yes.”

“I like that in a woman. Okay, I’ll leave it with you.”

“Thank you.”

“But remember that if you don’t put a complaint on his file, when he leaves here, he can go somewhere elseand do the same thing all over again. Is that what you want?”

“I will report him. I promise.”

“All right. You know where I am if you need anything.”

“Actually, I think I might head home. I can’t focus on anything.”

“You’re going now?”

“Yeah.”

“Let me drop my stuff in my office, and I’ll walk you to your car.”

“That’s not necessary.”

“I’m trying to be a gentleman here. He could be out there waiting for you.”

“That’s crazy.”

“Maybehe’scrazy. Stop trying to act all strong and capable and let me do something nice for you.”

She hated even being in the same room as him, and now she had to walk with him to her car. “Okay.”

In the elevator, he stood close. “I hope you get a better night’s sleep tonight.”

“I’m sure I will. I’ve got dinner I can heat up, and then it’s off to bed.”

“Do you really like those reheated dinners?”

“Actually, there are some meals that are better the second time.”

“How can that possibly be true?”

“Because the flavor moves through the meal and enhances it.”

“Give me one dish where that happens.”

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