Page 4 of The SEALs' Single Mom Baby Surprise

This doesn’t seem to ease him. That pings my radar, but I don’t have time to think about it too hard. Our last delivery is due to arrive any minute.

I lock my computer and stuff the papers I’ve printed off under the new manifest. Edmund makes his way behind me, and I double-check behind him, which has him eyeing me.

I really can’t help it. Not now that I’ve found discrepancies. Offering him a friendly smile, I tuck my clipboard under my arm and help put away what I can.

Back at my desk, I input everything into the computer and approve it, but when Edmund taps absently on his keyboard, I’m primed with the need to dig deeper into the mistakes I’ve found. I didn’t mean to make him as anxious as I am.

Another of my not so great traits, I guess.

Once I’ve input my usual inventory report, I save everything, lock my computer, and go to Warren. It’s not enough to record everything. I don’t know if anyone actually reads my reports. That’s why telling my boss is the best course of action.

Knocking on his open door, I wave when he looks up. He gestures me inside but turns back to his computer, so I perch on the end of a seat opposite him and wait for him to finish whatever he’s working on.

My fingers twist together in my lap. Warren doesn’t make me nervous, but bothering him with something like this always cranks my heartrate up.

It’s a few long minutes before my boss turns back to me. We make eye contact for a couple of heavy seconds before he inquires, “Specialist Montgomery?”

Pressing my lips together, I nod. “I found something odd this morning with our inventory—some of the serial numbers are off. One crate was mislabeled as nonessential equipment but was filled with tear gas. I’ve put in an inquiry and return order, but that got me thinking…”

Warren’s dark brow raises. It’s made more stark by contrast to his graying hair. “That’s never good for my bottom line.”

I bite back a smile. He’s always argued that I’m worth every penny of overtime and that he’d never have to come in if he had five of me to run this place. At least I can take pride in my work.

“I won’t stay late investigating. I promise. But I did go looking for other mistakes or anomalies. Most of the wrong serial numbers I found were otherwise labeled correctly, which is why I don’t think anyone’s paid much attention to it before. You know, if we’ve got what we need, why kick up a fuss?” I let that thought trail off because obviously, I’m kicking up a fuss.

I can’t help it.

“Why don’t you show me?” Warren stands, and I follow his lead, bringing him back to my desk.

I click my mouse a few times to bring up my locked screen and sign in. I’m pretty sure I’m the only one who locks my computer every time I step away from it, but when you’re provided with so little privacy, you cling to what you’re given.

Bringing up the files, I sit back and let him take over my mouse, scrolling through my highlights and pausing to read what items are being misnumbered. After a few minutes, the screen flickers, making him pause.

“Print those out and leave them on my desk before you leave. Okay?” His warm hand pats my shoulder gently—it’s almost not a touch. Warren isn’t a touchy-feely kind of boss.

“Got it.”

He nods and marches back to his office, and I send the printer to whirring out pages.

I collect the papers after each print. It’s a habit, and yes, it’s a bit anal, but I’d rather be sure each batch is correct and not missing anything before moving onto the next.

Edmund twists in his chair, eyeing me and my progress before donning his jacket and shutting his machine off. “You staying late?”

I look up at him and shake my head. “No. I’m out of here as soon as I’m done with this. Shouldn’t be more than fifteen minutes.”

He nods, hesitating.

“You go on. I know your mom’s waiting on you, and you have a ton of stuff to do at home.” I wave him on, and after another short hesitation, he wishes me a good evening and heads out.

Warren is back, eying my stack. “I’ve got to run an errand. Lock up my office once you’re done.”

“Yes, sir.”

“And try to relax when you get home. Enjoy some quality time with Reese.” The knowing look in his eyes humbles me a little.

“I will, sir.”

His knuckles knock on the edge of my desk before he marches out the door without a backward glance.

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