Page 43 of Covert Affair

“This place is pretty nice,” Robert says, giving the office space a once over. “And the living quarters upstairs was pretty impressive too. Would make your commute a breeze. No need to worry about traffic. Perfect for a single guy,” he wiggles his brows.

“A single guy? Because I’m really going to have time for anything except this company for the foreseeable future.”

Well, the expansion and making sure that Stacey’s ex never sees the light of day again.

It’s been nonstop since we landed.

I haven’t actually seen her in person since the airport but Taylor checks in with me several times a day and Stacey has called me once or twice for a conference call with her lawyer about information to stack her case against Waylon.

It’s probably a good thing that our contact is limited right now because everytime I’m around her I find myself thinking about things I’ve got no business thinking about with a woman like her.

“It’s on the higher end of the projected budget. That’s my only hesitation.”

“Damn. For a minute there I thought you were the other Davenport. Starting to sound like the boss, Cody.”

“I think that’s the whole point,” I chuckle and run a hand through my hair. “Shit. I really am turning into my brother.”

Though I suppose that’s better than turning into our old man.

“You really think this might be the right place?”

Robert nods. “I do. Especially since it’s not over budget.”

With everything else going on, I had no choice but to call in reinforcements, much to Cole’s disliking. If I was running this place, then I needed someone at the top of their game to be my left hand man. Robert is that guy.

“I guess I’ll let the realtor know we’re interested.”

“Sounds like a plan to me,” he says, tapping on the countertop.

“So. Any luck on a place for you and Vera? I mean, is the missus still okay relocating?”

My friend and colleague gives me the same goofy grin I’ve seen on my brother’s face for the last few years.

Suckers. Falling in love and shit.

“No luck on houses yet. It’s only been a few days but she’s excited as hell. I’m just hoping she doesn’t bump into Luke Bryan at the local grocery store and run off with his tight jeans wearing ass.”

I toss my head back and laugh. “Oh man. I forgot that Vera has a thing for good ol’ Luke Bryan. That’s pretty funny.”

“If you say so,” he smirks. “Speaking of houses though, if we’re finished here, I’m going to head out. Vera’s got a few showings scheduled for this afternoon.”

“Yeah, man. We’re good here,” I clap him on the back. “Get on out of here.”

“Oh, by the way, I emailed you a few applications I think might be worth taking a look at,” he says on his way out the door.

“Sounds good. Appreciate it.”

“I’ll call you tomorrow.”

With Robert gone, I meet the realtor out front and let her know we’re ready to go ahead and fill out a lease application. Once I’ve got that all squared away I send Cole a text with an update, letting him know we'll hear back from the property manager in 24 hours.

My phone beeps almost instantly as I climb in my truck. Thinking it’s Cole, I check it before driving back to the hotel.

Stacey Mae: What’s this I hear that my ex boyfriend is in town? Rumor has it that he’s moving his whole business here, just to try and get back with me now that I’m feuding with my husband.

Me: What are you talking about? Who the hell do I need to keep tabs on now?

I immediately respond, ready to add another dickhead to the list.