Page 8 of Whatever It Takes

I roll my eyes.

He could click the intercom, like a normal human being, but that would be out of character for him.

Shoving myself out of my chair, I walk the ten feet to his door and peek my head inside. “Did you need something, sir?”

“East or Easton,” he growls.

“Yes, sir.” I smile politely.

“Briar,” he growls, narrowing his eyes.

“Yes, sir?”

“You’re in a mood today,” he grumbles, glancing back at his computer screen.

I do love it when he gets flustered. It’s the only time he seems even slightly knocked off his game, which is preferable to the bossy, demanding jerk that he is most of the time.

A smile tugs at my lips, and I fight it. Our exchange feels like one in my win column, but he’s got so many in his that it barely counts as a victory. Still, no matter how surly Easton is, I always keep calm and collected.

I’m finally learning how to handle his mood swings, which is nice after months of trying to pin down his personality. It’s almost like there’s more than one residing in that handsome body of his, so it’s taken a while.

“Where is Jameson?” Easton asks, raising his eyebrows. “I’ve called him more than five times.”

My entire body stiffens.

I have no idea, and that’s the problem.

My assumption was that he was out on an assignment for Easton. There’s no way to tell if East picks up on the look on my face or if he realizes his question was out of line.

Who am I kidding?

He’s the most tactless person I know unless it comes to a situation he’s busy manipulating.

“Fine,” Easton says curtly. “I’ll call him again, but if he doesn’t get his shit together, he’ll be looking for a new job.”

“Was that all, sir?” I ask with much less pep.

Dammit, that high was ruined in thirty seconds flat.

Easton nods. “Don’t forget to take your lunch. You haven’t taken a break yet, and it’s almost one-thirty.”

I nod, swallowing thickly. “I’ll go now. I’m kinda hungry, anyway.”

It’s so bizarre.

He’s bossy and demanding, but also weirdly concerned about making sure I eat regularly.

I stop by my desk and grab my purse.

It’s a luxury to not have to clock out to go to lunch, and I appreciate it. I’ve never actually had a job before, so I have no idea if that’s standard for most companies.

I make it into the elevator, and just as the doors are about to close, Keir steps inside. He gives a clipped nod and appraises the buttons to make sure we’re going to the same place, like there aren’t only three floors in this entire building.

He leans against the front wall and gives me a once-over. “Heading out for lunch?”

My head bobbles up and down, taking in his massive frame.

Fun fact, before meeting Keir, I never had the urge to call anyoneDaddy…Like ever in my life, but smoking-hot, slightly older guy is a vibe I’m apparently here for.

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