Page 109 of False Evidence

“I did. Point to Kendall.”

She pumped her fist with victory. “A point! I’m redeeming it for your presence when we eat pizza, which is homemade.”

“Will there be pineapple?”

Pineapple was Alex’s favorite topping, but Kendall couldn’t walk into that trap. “Too polarizing a topping when I don’t know what Mr. Spaul—Russ—likes. I’m going basic—pepperoni mushroom for one, and the other is a veggie supreme, but with red peppers, not green.” In this, at least, she could accommodate Alex’s pepper preference. But then, it was her preference too.

“What if I bring my own pineapple?”

“Do youhavepineapple?”

“Well, no. But I was sort of hoping you could lend me a can.”

“Fresh out, but if you promise to join us, I’ll make a pineapple-only pizza for you tomorrow.”

“No sauce or cheese?”

“Hello, Literal Lex.”

She dipped her head in a slight bow.

“Please, Alex? Just a half hour.”

“What’s the movie?”

“The Mummy.”

“Why didn’t youleadwith that? Do you evenknowme?”

“My bad.” She smiled. “So you’ll join us?”

Alex nodded. “But thirty minutes is all I can spare.”

She lunged forward and hugged her. “Thank you! You’re the best.”

Russ, mercifully, was incredibly charming. He was older than Brent, which put him around thirty-eight. Brent had told her he was the project manager for Talon & Drake’s biggest East Coast contract—a bridge replacement and neighborhood revitalization project that was two years into the four it would take to complete.

He answered directly to Drake and was tight with the senator. He and Brent had been friends since Russ was hired four years ago. Russ was helping Brent move up the ranks.

With Russ’s backing, she was sure to land an internship or even an entry-level part-time job. Talon & Drake didn’t have rules around employees dating, but it would be easier to be taken seriously if she worked for someone like Russ and not Brent.

Her brain buzzed with excitement even as she asked herself if it was wrong that she wanted her beautiful and brilliant roommate to catch Russ Spaulding’s eye.

Hell, Alex would probably thank her. He was rich and moving up. Alex could use a sugar daddy. Not that she wanted one or would accept his money, but she could appreciate the free meals that came with dating a man who liked the finer things.

As promised, Alex emerged when the pizzas were ready. Kendall’s heart thumped rapidly with the introductions, thrilled to see the spark of interest in Russ’s eyes.

This was going to work splendidly.

Alex and Russ chatted for a bit. She played nice and didn’t speak nonsense physics words. She seemed to enjoy chatting with him and even stayed for a whole hour before retreating back into her room to work.

After she left, Russ said, “You didn’t tell me Kendall has such a gorgeous roommate.”

Brent smiled, his arm tightening around Kendall’s shoulder. “Is she? I didn’t notice. Too blinded by Kendall.”

She rolled her eyes, but laughed at the ridiculous statement. It was sweet even if over the top.

“Think Alexandra would let me take her to dinner?” Russ asked Kendall.

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