Page 33 of Old Flame

Collecting my laptop and purse, I stood up. “No worries. Kids come first. Besides, we left early. I had work to do.”

Lie. We had left early because my first love had walked in and was an asshole.

Kendrix fell into step beside me as I made my way to the door. When I had interviewed with Marlana, she’d said he wouldn’t be around regularly, yet there hadn’t been a day that I was here and he didn’t show up. When he had strode into the meeting this morning, I could tell by the look on Marlana’s and Banner’s faces that they were surprised. I had taken that as it being abnormal. I didn’t want to assume this was because of me, but I was slightly worried about his interest in me. I hoped it was professional only.

“No need to be alarmed, but there is a biker dude outside the entrance,” Banner whispered as he stepped in front of us. “Tattoos, leather vest, smoking a cigarette. The whole nine yards. There are even rings on his fingers,” he added. Then he looked back over his shoulder. “And I’ll be completely honest—he is hot.”

Kendrix took a drink from his cup, then started to step around Banner. “I’ll handle it.”

“No, wait,” I said before he could go any further.

My heart was already picking up its pace. I knew who it was. The only person it could be. But why was he here?

Kendrix looked back at me, frowning.

“I…it’s, uh…he’s here to see me,” I replied reluctantly.

I didn’t want to share my past with my coworkers. Marlana had learned enough last night. She’d been full of questions when we left the bar, but I had been as vague as I could be.

“He’s here?” she asked, excitement in her tone, as she came up behind me.

I nodded. “Apparently.”

“Who?” Kendrix asked as Banner said, “You know the sexy, dangerous biker man?” I blew out a breath, then nodded, turning to Marlana. “Could you take my things to my office?” I asked her.

She reached for my laptop and purse. “Sure, but you have to tell me what he says.” Her interest had her wide-eyed.

I didn’t want to tell anyone what he had come here to say. Probably for me to stay the hell out of his favorite bar.

Both men were looking at me, and I knew I had to say something.

I glanced at Banner, then Kendrix. “He is my past. We knew each other a long time ago,” I replied. “I’ll see what he wants.”

I didn’t wait for either to respond before heading to the door.

He turned then, and our eyes met as he took a pull from the cigarette in his mouth.

What are you doing here, Rome? Was last night not enough for you?

His gaze traveled over my body as I approached the door. Why was it that Rome could make me question my clothing choices when I had felt confident in my outfit only moments ago? I stared at him silently before reaching up to unlock the dead bolt.

Get this over with, Salem, I told myself, then opened the door and stepped into the humid, warm late-winter day.

When the door clicked shut behind me, I met his stare. “What can I do for you, Rome?” I asked in a formal tone.

He smirked and took the cigarette from his mouth. “If that ain’t a fucking loaded question,” he drawled.

I didn’t have to look back inside to know that they were watching us.

“We open soon, and a biker on the front doorsteps when the eighth-grade tour group shows up might cause an issue.”

His deep chuckle sent an unwanted tingle through me. He cuthis gaze toward the three inside, and a sardonic smile curled his lips. “Already got the men in there panting after you, I see,” he said, then shifted his attention back to me.

“One is my boss, and one thinks you’re hot. So, no. Now, why are you here?”

He took another pull from the cigarette as his eyes held mine. “I’m sorry about what I said. You didn’t tell me about”—he paused, and his jaw twitched—“your husband.”

Pepper must have told him. I was sure she had because she was angry about what he’d said, but I still didn’t like him knowing about Eamon. That was off-limits for him.

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