Page 23 of While You Were Spying
Adam and Liam continue watching us.
Even Mojo is riveted by my argument with Jayden. His eyes are wide with confusion as he gazes between us like he’s watching a ping-pong match.
And the ball is now on my side of the table.
I turn to Adam. “I know this is short notice. But will you be my husband?”
It’s not like Bernard knows what Jayden looks like. And Adam is just as good an operative as my best friend.
My best friend who is on the verge of losing that title if he’s not careful.
The absolute look of horror on Adam’s face is priceless, and I can’t hold back the building laugh.
Like the rest of the men in the firm—other than Liam—Adam has no interest in falling in love and settling down one day. He’s as cynical about love and marriage as I am.
Which is why his reaction is so funny. He’s forgotten that little tidbit about me.
But Adam is a fixer, a problem solver. So he’s perfect for the job—whatever the job might be that Bernard wants to hire us for.
“I’m talking about being my fake husband for the weekend. I’m not expecting you to actually marry me.”
“Sorry, I can’t. I’ve got plans this weekend. As does Landon. In case you’re forgetting that, too. We’re going to San Jose.”
Ironically, I did forget that. Me, the person who knows what each man is up to when it comes to their schedules, forgot that neither of those two men will be available to help me.
And the same goes for Connor and Liam.
That leaves Jayden.
And he knows it, judging from the smug expression on his face.
“I can always ask Henri.” The words tumble from my mouth, without any thought to what I’m actually suggesting.
Jayden bursts out laughing, also noting the flaw in the hastily thought out plan. He then flinches, possibly because his injured arm is protesting the sudden movement.
Liam and Adam have never met Henri, so they have no idea why Jayden is laughing. They exchange bemused glances.
“You honestly believe anyone will buy that you’re married to a man in his early eighties who’s obviously gay?” Jayden asks, still snickering.
“No,” I grumble. I really hate it when he’s right. “So this is why you’re here? To tell me my plan won’t work? Okay. You’ve done that. Now go home”—so I can think without you irritating me—“and recuperate like you’re supposed to.”
He slowly shakes his head. “Nope. I’m here to work.”
“Oh, no you’re not,” Liam says. “I was quite specific about that, Jayden. Until the physician clears you for active duty, you’re at home.”
“I’m fine,” Jayden grunts. “It was only a minor scratch.”
“It was hardly a scratch.”
It’s my turn to give Jayden a smug look. Sure, it doesn’t solve my current dilemma, but the satisfaction I gain from it is gratifying. “Well, I guess we’re even. My plan has been derailed because I don’t have a fake husband for my cover, and you have to stay home because you managed to get yourself shot.”
Liam folds his arms and gives us the look we’re all familiar with. The I’m-the-boss-and-I-make-the-final-decision expression. “I’ve had a chance to evaluate the information that both Isabelle and Connor gave me regarding the case and Bernard Bradshaw. And I’ve decided that Isabelle will go down to meet with him to find out why he wants to hire the agency.” His gaze shifts to Jayden. “And since you’re so determined to return to work and ignore my orders, you’ll be her fake husband.”
Jayden flinches and then scowls. “I thought I was supposed to take things easy and recuperate.”
Sure, Jayden. And I bet if Liam had suggested any other mission, you’d be all over it.
“You are, but I doubt that’ll stop you from working, no matter what I say. I know that she’s going to the resort—also, no matter what I say. I’m her boss during her working hours but not during her free time. And I know you have no intention of letting her get into hot water without backup.”
