Page 47 of Friend Me

“I overslept.” In a manner of speaking. A backwards way. I stared into his eyes, daring him to call my bluff.

He scratched the back of his neck. “I know Jackson isn’t a stickler for dress code, but I’d prefer that my assistant represent me in a professional manner. Even on a Friday.”

The blush started at my chest and barreled up to the roots of my hair. “Sorry, Cooper. It won’t happen again.”

“Okay, then. Can you start the conference call?”

“Sure thing.” I pulled up the meeting application on my screen, thankful not to have to look him in the eye. He turned, walked into his office, and shut the door.

I called the London office, conferenced in Cooper, and disconnected my line. Then I collapsed into my chair and blew out a breath. It was going to be a long day. I pulled out my phone to call Dad and found a text.

Tyler: Everything OK?

Hysterical laughter bubbled up behind my closed lips. Everything wasnotokay. My crush had called me out on our nonexistent dress code. I’d nearly gotten my friend killed and then ended up sleeping on his naked chest. Plus, I’d left Dad home alone all night.

But none of that was on him.

Me: Yep

I called Dad.

“Hi,” I said when he picked up. “Sorry again about last night. I needed to help my friend.”

“Maggie?”

I winced and rubbed my temple. “No, Dad, it’s Marlee.”

“Sunshine! You’re all right?”

“Yes, fine. How are you?”

“Good, good. Playoff game this afternoon. How do tacos sound for dinner?”

The sharp pain at my temple eased a little. “Great. I’ll see you at home tonight, okay?”

“See you later, sweetheart.”

I set down my phone and leaned over my desk with my head in my hands, grateful, so grateful he was okay. But what if something had happened to him? I was truly a terrible person. As penance, I’d do nothing but work and stay home with Dad.

Wait. Staying home with him shouldn’t have been a punishment. The man had cared for me for my whole life. I was an ungrateful daughter. I tugged on my ponytail.

Finally, I groaned and turned my attention to my computer.

Lost in my morning code review, I didn’t hear the footsteps approach and jumped when a to-go cup of coffee and a paper bag plunked onto my desk. Tyler stood over me, a bottle of Mountain Dew in his hand and a bright grin on his face.

Just as he opened his mouth, Cooper loomed into view.

I wrenched my eyes from Tyler’s face and flashed Cooper a tight smile. “What can I do for you, Cooper?”

His gaze took in Tyler, the cup of coffee, and my yoga shirt—again. His eyebrows rose. “Morning, Tyler.” He smirked.

“Morning,” Tyler grumbled.

I tilted my chin toward the coffee he’d brought me. “Thanks. I’ll see you later.”

The corners of his mouth tightened before he turned and walked back to the stairwell.

After the door shut, Cooper waggled his thick eyebrows at me. “Overslept, huh?”

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