Page 36 of Inflame

I wipe a hand down my face and chug some water. Dammit, he’s right. I cannot keep punishing myself with these images I conjure up in my head.

“I’ll accept the job offer,” I say, changing the subject. Regardless of the situation he has currently, I know I can make it better.

Graham’s face changes moods. “Yeah? Really? You’re being serious?”

“Let me have one hundred percent control over this area, and I’ll do it. I don’t want to answer to anyone on my protocols or decision-making. I trust my own instincts and know I can do a good job.”

“You’ll do great,” Graham agrees. “Hence, why I asked in the first place.”

“Thanks.”

“I must ask, though. Are you going to keep things legal?”

“Maybe eventually,” I answer. “But if you want to verify the loyalty of your current team and have me decide who stays and who goes, then I may have to rely on some of my unsavory tactics.”

Since meeting Angie, Graham has gotten more legit with most of his businesses and tracking capabilities. There are always loopholes. Even though his jewelry company is marketed toward higher end buyers looking for elegant pieces, there is a huge sellers’ market for people looking for hidden tracking devices.

“Fine,” he agrees. “Just do not tell me about it. Do what you need to do.”

I smile. I am excited to start something new. It’s a thrill to not settle and become complacent. “As for Entice, I think we should dissolve the company within the year. The purpose of even starting it is now resolved. It’s not bringing in the levels of revenue it used to after the big drug bust.”

“I agree.”

The girls return back to the table and their hair is styled in ponytails, I am guessing for the hike.

“We bought some bottled waters from the cooler so we have drinks to bring to Red Rock,” Angie says, passing us each a bottle.

Graham pulls her to him and kisses her hard. “Thanks, sweetheart.”

I see Claire watch them. I know she is deliriously happy for the couple, but I keep witnessing a sliver of hope in her eyes that one day she could have what they have. Pretty sure what they found is rare and unattainable. My parents found it, sure, or maybe it found them. They get more in love with each passing year. Not everyone is that fortunate.

I thought I found love once, and the lying bitch almost took me on a marital ride that would have cost me millions in an inevitable divorce. I refuse to be blindsided again. You can’t get hurt if you are doing the hurting.

When the bill comes to the table, I grab it before anyone has a chance to claim it. It was my idea to come here, so the least I can do is pay for the meal.

“Thanks for breakfast, Nic,” Claire’s melodic voice rings in my ears.

“Glad you enjoyed it.” I smile at her. I can’t keep the smile off my face. I have been sporting a cheesy grin the entire trip when I’m around her. She is sweet and yet sassy. The best of both worlds, if you ask me.

When we get outside, Claire reaches into her purse for the set of keys and as soon as they hit the air, I snatch them out of her hands.

“Hey!”

“I’m driving.”

“Why?” she whines. “But I like driving. You promised we could see how fast she goes.”

She is pouting. Fuck. I glance away and focus my mind on the task of maintaining a level of self-preservation.

“Your driving is too predictably bad. I’ve seen enough.”

“Oh, you have some nerve, Nic Hoffman!”

She is stomping her foot. I grow hard over her irritation. Her legs are so tan and toned, and I wonder what they would feel like wrapped around my waist as I thrust into her. I’m sure they would stabilize her if the roles were reversed, and I was giving it to her from behind. So many possibilities, and every one excites me.

I unlock the car and slide into the driver’s seat, leaving her alone while she rants and rages just outside the passenger door. Then she turns to me with fire in her eyes. She marches over to my side, and I wind down the window. Yup, she is super pissed off.

“Can I help you?”

---