Page 18 of Until Bax

“Who’s your brother?”

“Liam.”

“I didn’t even put two and two together with your last name.”

“Do you know Liam?”

“There aren’t too many women who don’t,” she mutters, and I press my lips together.

Sadly, she’s not wrong. My brother dates a lot and has never once had a serious girlfriend.

“And I also know Bax.”

The way she says she knows him and the look on her face makes me wonder if the two of them have hooked up. I can see him being interested in her. She’s beautiful, with blonde hair a shade darker than Holly’s, glowing skin, and perfectly proportioned features.

Her attention moves to Holly, the smile she had when she stepped into my office a few minutes ago is long gone. “Shouldn’t you be at the front desk?”

“Sorry, yes.” Holly gets up from my chair and sends me a look that says, “Eek!” before she disappears out the door.

When Julie’s attention comes back to me, I brace for her next words.

“I know you just started, Olivia, so FYI, we really try to keep this place a gossip and drama-free space.”

“Of course,” I whisper, feeling like a scolded child who’s done something wrong even though I wasn’t the one who was gossiping.

“I’m leaving for the day. Eva will be in this afternoon.” Her eyes wander over me before she turns and walks out of my office without a goodbye.

Feeling frustrated and maybe even a little angry, I walk over to my desk and take a seat, wiggling my mouse to bring my screen to life. Then, I click on my next client’s profile to go over her information.

“Was that totally awkward, or is it just me?” Holly asks, poking her head into my office a minute after I hear the bell for the front door ding.

“It was definitely awkward.” I meet her gaze.

“Maybe she needs to join that Bax Mayson Support Group in town.”

“The what?” I laugh.

“Apparently, there is a group of women who get together once a month for drinks and to share their woes after he’s dumped them.”

My lips part in disbelief. “You’re not serious.”

“Oh, I’mveryserious.”

“There is a support group for women Bax has dated?”

“Yeah, so he’s either that good… or that bad.” Her grin is sly. “I bet it’s because he’sthat good.”

“Holly!” I scold.

“What? I’ve seen him mowing his lawn shirtless, and that guy ishooot.” She is not wrong about that. “There is no way God would create a specimen as good-looking as he is, then not give him the knowledge to use that equipment properly.”

“Get out of my office.” I laugh while pointing at the door, and she giggles, then sobers, her expression turning serious.

“Don’t worry about Julie. Even Eva is constantly having issues with her, and they co-own this place together.”

“Thanks,” I say softly, and she nods before looking around the edge of my door when the bell goes off, telling us someone is here.

“I think that’s your one o’clock. Do you need a few minutes?”

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