Page 56 of Hidden Chance

“You need to slap me.”

“What?”

“Don’t question me, just slap me. Now.”

She did, just as Pike entered, and it stung.

“Don’t tell me you didn’t like it,” Robby said,reaching for her. He saw the recognition in her eyes as she looked between him and Pike. Then she hit his hand away.

“I told you to leave me alone.”

“You play hard to get, but I have a feeling you lured me in here so we could be alone.”

Pike’s hand settled heavily on his shoulder, wrenching him around. “What do you think you’re doing in here?”

Robby pretended to be startled. “Oh. I thought you left.”

“I did. But I forgot something. Lucky for Hannah I did.”

“Look, I didn’t mean anything by it. She’s got a thing for me.”

“I do not. Pike, he’s been trying to pick me up all week.”

“You’ve been giving me mixed signals all week,” Robby said.

“I was not.”

“You said you weren’t worried about him,” Pike said.

“I thought I could handle it. I didn’t want you getting involved.”

“I’m involved now.”

“Hey,” Robby put his hands up. “I didn’t mean anything by it. I wasn’t trying to make trouble.”

“You tried to kiss me.”

“Only because I thought you wanted me to.”

“I came in here to get away from you.”

“I think you should go,” Pike said. “Before I call security. Maybe I should call them anyway.”

“No, hey, it was just a little miscommunication. Won’t happen again. I swear.”

He turned and winked at Hannah, impressed with her performance, although he was pretty sure he’d ruined his undercover op to save her. He’d probably get a call from HR shortly and be escorted from the premises if Pike had any say in the matter. He’d want to impress her and show her he was in charge of the situation.

Pike shoved him. “Don’t look at her. You focus on me.” He stepped up to Robby, who took a step back, pretending to be intimidated. “If you so much as sneeze in her direction, I’ll have you arrested.”

“Yeah, I got it.” He didn’t like letting Pike think he was the big man. “No harm done.”

“That remains to be seen. You’ll be hearing from HR.”

“Great.” He huffed and trudged back to his desk, looking back only once to see Pike put a hand on Hannah’s shoulder. She crossed her arms and looked out the door at him. He mouthed the word ‘sorry’. She’d be okay for now, but the event would probably embolden Pike.

“I’m sorry, Pike,” Hannah said. “I shouldn’t have used your office without your permission. I just wanted to get away from him.”

“No. Don’t apologize. I’m just glad I came back. Forgot one of my files.”

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