Page 35 of Crush

“Go on,” I encouraged, dragging my arms down and placing my elbows on the desk. I was now all ears and then some.

“That’s it. Some of the men think something is going on between you. I would say it’s just locker room rubbish, but I must admit, I’ve thought the same myself.”

“About what?”

“That you and Amber—couldbe a thing,” he sniffed.

“We arenota thing.”

Wes huffed out a breath, “Well, you can’t say there isn’t a spark there.”

A mixture of raw emotions slapped me. “The woman aggravates thehellout of me.”

“Clearly but have you ever asked yourselfwhy?”

“This is nuts. Because she’s an entitled brat,that’swhy.” I didn’t feel bad slagging her off to Wes as I trusted him implicitly.

“Bollocks.I’m from Brixton mate, I wastaughtto recognise bullshit from birth. I’veseenthe way you look at her. You can’t say there’s no attraction there.”

“Even if Ididfancy her, I wouldn’t go there. Her father is a partner in this project and sheworksfor me. Who was talking shit?”

“I’d prefer to keep their identity out of this. I’ve had words. Youdon’tneed to get involved.”

“What’s so wrong with me getting involved?”

“Well, the guys who had the discussion need to be able to use their hands to work,” he pointed out with a dry twist to his lips.

“What? I’d only break the fingers ononehand,surely, they don’t need both.”

“Exactly,” he deadpanned.

“I imagine Hopton is one of them.” That massive piece of shit. He either had a death wish or was naturally stupid. I decided to go for the latter.

“No—actually. He isn’t.”

I stood corrected. Interesting. “So, whatexactlyhas been said?”

“Just the usual stuff. They’re jealous I suppose; you’re getting your end away under their very noses, and yetthey’vebeen told to keep it in their pants.”

“My company, my rules,” I stated firmly.

“Why did you bring up Hopton’s name?”

My chair creaked as I changed position. “I saw him out with Amber one evening last week.”

Wes nodded his head in understanding. “Up to his old tricks maybe?”

“Something like that. I’ve had words with him myself since then.”

“Did you get involvedpersonallydue to policy or because you were jealous?”

“You’re a great foreman Wes, and a friend but I’ll treat you the same as anyone else if you step out of line. What are you suggesting?”

“Youwanther, Lady Swift. Even if you’re not tapping that now, it’s only a matter of time. And I’d say she wants you too.”

My ears pricked up and I dropped my arms, “She does? What makes you say that?” His perception had sparked my interest, making me forget about him speaking out of turn.

“You can see it in her body language when you’re around. You make her hot and flustered. You’re a lucky bastard. I must admit, if I wasn’t happily married, I’d be all over that like a rash and policy could go screw itself. Andthat’swhat worries me.”

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