Page 12 of Trigger

He snorted. It was barely audible, but I heard it, so I took it asencouragement.

“You know what?” I mused. “I think we just got off on the wrongfoot. You were grumpy, and I was pushy… no big deal. We have all the time inthe world to get to know each other. In fact, I think this is the beginning ofa beautiful friendship.”

More silence. And the more silent he was, the more I wanted him tospeak. Immature, yes. But no one accused me of being mature before, so I keptyapping.

“Mark my words. In time, we will become best buddies. I grow onpeople, you know? I’m like… well, not like fungus, but you get the idea. I’mactually quite adorable. Like a baby penguin, only in XXL size.”

When Carter’s phone rang, he pulled it out of his pocket, furtherignoring me. I noticed he wore no jewelry, not even a watch, and there was noring on his finger, thank God. The only thing I’d spotted while ogling him wasa gold cross necklace around his neck.

“Hey, Vic,” he said into the phone.

Silence.

“Yeah, that’s doable. When?”

Long silence.

“I mean, I guess so? I’m not in the office, but…”

Brief silence.

“Unfortunately.”

This comment had something to do with me. I was sure of it.

“Okay, bye.”

After he hung up, I glanced at him, only to see his leg bouncing.Was he nervous? Annoyed? I was dying to know.

“Was that your girlfriend?” I asked him, speeding up at the yellowlight. “A looker like you is taken, for sure.”

He shook his head, revealing some of his frustration, but he stillwouldn’t answer.

“I, myself, am single, believe it or not.” I said, popping my gum.“A shocker. I know.”

At that point, an incredulous chuckle left his mouth, and Igrinned with satisfaction. I was getting to him, after all.

“Is Vic short for Vicky? Or Victoria? Victoria sounds regal, butVicky is more of a stripper’s name, don’t you think?”

“Will you shut the fuck up?” he snapped, looking at me indisbelief. “I mean, really. What does it take for you to shut up?”

Jungle green. He had the most amazing eyes. Not to mention thebone structure of his face. If someone ever broke that nose, I would seriouslyweep. Then I would kill the fucker.

As far as his question was concerned, there were ways of shuttingme up, but I doubted he would like them, not with his sexual orientation.

“We’re bonding,” I said instead, shrugging my shoulders. “Tell meher name, and I might shut up.”

“Victoria Sloane.”

I looked at him sharply.

“Sloane, as in Sloane Industries?”

He said nothing but pressed his finger on the window, wiping awaythe invisible dirt there.

I whistled softly, turning into Primrose Street.

Sloane Industries was one of the wealthiest companies in thecountry. Robert Sloane, the founder and the CEO, was a billionaire and aphilanthropist. His wife was a former underwear model and a well-knownsocialite. And those people were supposed to be his future family? I couldn’tsee it. Also, the way Carter talked to his girlfriend was weird at best. Hesounded cold and businesslike, as if he were placing an order at McDonald’s.

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