Page 18 of S.O.S. Perk

He’d thought Sloane might be different, but now…

“I have a job for you.”

Sloane interrupted his thoughts, and it took Perk a minute to figure out what she’d just said.

“A job?” he reiterated stupidly.

“Yeah. And it’s a conflict of interest with us going out.”

Perk let that statement settle for a moment.

Was she saying she still wanted to see him, but this job, whatever it was, had to take precedence? If that was the case, he was one-hundred percent on board. If she was making up an excuse, however, it was a new one on him and a pretty good one at that.

He took a deep, fortifying breath and gave her the benefit of the doubt. “Why don’t you give me details on this…job.”

Sloane didn’t hesitate. “I’d rather do it with Del present; in front of your team. It’s something that needs to be addressed almost immediately, and you’ll need your boss’s blessing to continue. My superiors and I have already discussed the ins and outs of the case, but it’s always good to get additional input, sowe’ll all be coming to the SOS offices to put our heads together and get the approval from Del.”

Which meant Perk wasn’t going to get the sandwich he’d been craving,oran answer to his self-doubts unless he pushed it right now.

Which he would.

“Just tell me one thing, Sloane,” Perk put forward. “Does this mean you’ve changed your mind and you’re not interested in going out with me? Or is this simply a postponement of us getting together?”

Perk swallowed the large lump in his throat as he waited for an answer.

“Oh, shit,” Sloane swore. “I see how you might have jumped to conclusions, but… I still think you’re worthy of a few personal hours.”

The worry began to recede from Perk’s tight shoulders.

“This job, however?” Sloane continued. “It involves the friend who was going to ride shotgun with me for our Monday meet-up. And now, for security purposes, she can no longer know who you are or even get an inkling that I know you.”

That sounded confusing, but also had Perk feeling optimistic.

“So…you’re not shooting me down permanently,” he stated, making sure he had it right.

Sloane actually snorted. “You’re not getting rid of me that easily, Perkins,” she chided. “I may be off dating, but I’m going to be honest here. You intrigue me. And if, during this job, we find a way to meet up someplace far away where we can remain anonymous, I’ll still be okay with that.”

Perk felt conflicted. It didn’t sound like Sloane was blowing smoke, but…

“Is this because you don’t want to be seen with me anyplace where you might run into someone you know?”

Because of my youthful appearance? he wanted to add, but managed to refrain.

“Yes… No,” she immediately corrected, her voice clipped. “I’m not afraid to be seen with you, Perk, so you can get that right out of your head. What wecan’tdo is blow your cover by being together anyplace local.”

“Ahh.” Now Perk understood, and the heaviness in his heart lifted. “My cover,” he reiterated. “I’m going to beundercover.”

“Right in one. And now I’ve said too much, so… I’m going to call Mizzay and set up a meeting in your office tonight.”

“Uh, Mizzay is out with a sick kid, so I’m on the phones. I’ll make sure everyone is here. What time are you thinking?”

“One hour, Perk, if that’s possible.”

“Can do.” He knew his team. Nobody would have a problem with a case that was deemed important by the FBI.

“Great. I’ll see you soon, and everything will become clear.”

“Okay, Sloane. And…” Should he say it?Well, hell. Why not? “…it’s going to be tough keeping my expression neutral while you’re in the same room with me. I’m sorry if that will make you uncomfortable in front of your peers.”

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