Page 17 of Whiskey Darling
“Yeah, we wouldn’t want oursituationto be discovered now, would we?” Allie’s tone betrays her vulnerability, the slight tremble making my heart sink. I reach out a hand in apology.
“Allie… wait.”
Before I can say anything else, Michael Lassiter slides into the room.
His eyes dart between the two of us. Allie is stiff, so rigid, I wonder if she’s even breathing. A strange vibe exudes off her, one I can’t quite put my finger on.
“Oh, hey, Flynn. Didn’t expect running across you down here. I was looking for Allie. Got a couple of, um, questions about the craft exposition.”
Allie flicks Michael a dark look, her mouth stretched into a tight line.
“Take it up with Flynn. It’s his project.” Her response is clipped as she strides past him. “Excuse me. I’ve got some phone calls to make.”
I see it then.
I’d be blind not to recognize the heat in Michael’s gaze. I’d be stupid not to see she’s aware of it. He scares her, I think. He’s one of the guys that’s asked her out a few times. More than a few times.
He wants her. He hasn’t given up trying to change her mind.
Over my dead body will that ever happen.
“Allie, come up to my office. We’ll discuss the ideas you mentioned earlier.” My directive is a command, but getting to the bottom of this issue with Michael is imperative.
The longer she pauses, a hand gripping the doorknob, the more I worry she’ll fillet me alive for ordering her in such a cavalier manner. When a cool smile lifts her full lips instead, I’m slightly relieved until she responds.
“No, thank you,Mr.Alexander. Another situation has come up, so perhaps another time.”
