Page 20 of Sass

He blinked slowly. “You’re right, and I’m sorry... Kip.” He turned back around and headed up the stairs.

I watched him every step of the way, thinking the name sounded so fucking wrong on his lips. And when he was out of sight, I swore softly and kicked the leg of the service desk just because I could. “Ow, ow, fucking ow.”

A snort came from behind. “So, that went well.”

I spun and pinned Drew with a glare. “Is there no fucking privacy around here?”

He shrugged. “It’s a small space. Kind of hard not to hear. What’s up with you two, anyway? You dance around each other like a couple of snarling cats in heat.”

“We do not,” I snapped and immediately regretted it. “Sorry. He’s just the most exasperating man I’ve ever met. Every time I talk to him, he fucks with my head. I know you all think he’s this sweet guy, but he can be an arrogant, self-righteous, judgemental son of a bitch, just like everyone else.”

“Quite likely more,” Leon’s voice floated down from the upstairs landing seconds before the door to the flat closed.

“Fuck!” I rapped my palm on my forehead a couple of times, then shouted up the stairs, “It’s your own fault for eavesdropping.” I spun to Drew. “Why didn’t you tell me he was still there?”

Drew gave a Cheshire-worthy grin. “Totally my bad. My X-ray vision’s been on the fritz. I’ll do better next time. Here, have a mint.” He slid a small tin toward me.

I absently popped one in my mouth and talked around it. “And don’t disappear on me like that again. If Leon comes in and you’re here, he’s all yours, understand?”

Drew bit back a knowing smile and I wanted to throttle him. “I can try, but I might find it hard not to hit on him. Just saying.”

I shot him a killing look that slid right off.

He shrugged. “But also, I’m pretty sure it’s not me he comes to see. The sexual tension burning between the two of you is driving me nuts.” He fanned his face. “It’s not good for a young boy’s heart.”

I gaped, the reflexive denial teetering on the tip of my tongue before I slammed my mouth shut and rethought my approach. “That’s just lust. As you said, the man’s hot. You think you know me so well, huh?”

Drew regarded me warily, knowing there was a trap in the question somewhere. “Nooooo, I wouldn’t say that,” he ventured gingerly. “But you kind of just answered my question about the other.” He looked way too pleased with himself.

I narrowed my eyes. “I’m sure our staff bathroom is up for another clean this week.”

The smile dropped off his face. “Damn, that was low.”

I waggled my brows. “You’re a princess messing in queen territory, honey.”

He sighed. “Noted.” Then he grinned. “But I almost had you there, right?”

I couldn’t hide my smile. “Don’t let it go to your head.” I offered a high five and he obliged.

He leaned in and lowered his voice. “I still think I should hit on him. I mean, if you’re not—”

“Don’t you have work to do?” I interrupted tartly. “I hear your boss is a bitch.”

“So, they say.” Drew winked. “But I happen to know he’s a pussycat.”

I snorted. “You just keep telling yourself that.”

He kissed my cheek and headed for the dressing rooms. “I know you love me.”

I chuckled and shook my head because he wasn’t wrong. And he was the best thing to happen to Flare since... well, since me.

I glanced up the stairs, then back at the coffee on the service desk. I wasn’t going to drink it, no matter how much I wanted to.

I kept staring.

Well, maybe just a sip.

I checked Drew was out of sight before stealing a swallow, and then another, trying not to groan too loudly as the heavenly liquid slid down my throat. Danielle was a caffeine maestro.

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