Page 26 of Delayed
“Like what?” Rex clicked save on the reportand closed down the laptop. He leaned back in the black leatheroffice chair and crossed his arms over his chest.
“Restless. A little uptight.” Brady smiled.“You’re usually so cool. Too cool. It’s nice to know someone canstill have an impact on you.”
Brady and Taylor had been the ones to watchhim after his breakup with Layla. He’d thought he’d been deep inlove with her. There had been a moment or two where he’d thoughtmaybe she’d been “the one.” Finding her naked on the floor of theirliving room with his friend cut to his core. It was a betrayal hehadn’t been sure he’d ever get over.
He hadn’t locked himself in a room anddrowned his misery in a bottle. He hadn’t spent nights sulking andcrying. He didn’t even punch Curt in the face for sticking it tohis girlfriend. He simply fucked his way through more women thancould even reasonably be counted and had shut off any emotions inconnection with women.
“You impact me every day with your annoyingcomments.”
Now it was Brady’s turn to roll his eyes.“You know exactly what I mean, dipshit.”
Rex’s phone buzzed on the desk. He grabbedit.
Anna:I’m here.
He pushed to standing and tucked his phonein his back jean pocket. “Well, she’s here.” He blew out a breath.“Please behave.”
“Go get her.” Brady stepped aside.
Rex strolled out of the office. Hemaneuvered through the crowd of people milling about the breweryand pushed through the front door.
The cool evening air brushed against hisskin. Florida, particularly Orlando, didn’t have many months ofcool weather. In fact, these chilly evenings were numbered as theyrolled into March.
He sucked in a breath when he noticed herwalking in his direction. Her heeled cognac-colored open-toedbooties sounded on the pavement.
Fuck me!
Her skinny jeans hugged her curves. Herpeach off-the-shoulder blouse showed off her tanned neck andcollarbone area. She wore her chestnut locks down, wisps flutteringin the breeze as she walked.
“Hiya.” She gave a flirty wave.
He didn’t run, but he might be competitivein the Olympic speed walking event. All the tingling in his limbsand churning stomach ended the second he wrapped his arms aroundher.
“Hi,” he whispered into her hair. Hervanilla scent encircled him and settled him. He squeezed her tight.“I’m so happy you’re here.”
Pulling back, he scanned her face. Hergolden irises twinkled. He cupped her face and pressed his mouth tohers. Just a brief kiss.
“Traffic was a bit of a bear. Accidentaround the Lakeland area slowed things down a bit.” Shegrimaced.
“I-4 is nuts.” He brushed a few strands ofhair from her face. “I’m glad you made it safe and sound.”
She grinned, both dimples deeply embedded inher cheeks. “Well, I wasn’t going to miss seeing you and meetingyour friends—whom I assume are those two guys peering out thewindow of the front door.” She tipped her chin in the direction ofthe brewery front door.
He glanced over his shoulder and chuckled.Both Brady and Taylor stood at the door, hands cupped around theireyes to block out the glare of the parking lot lights, staring atthem. They looked like little kids waiting for Santa to arrive.
Grabbing her hand, he entwined theirfingers. “Well, we better head inside so I can introduce you.Otherwise, they may make a scene.”
“Why would they make a scene?”
“To embarrass me.”
Brady pushed open the door as theyapproached, and he and Taylor walked out to greet them.
“Way to be discreet,” Rex teased.
“You know discreet isn’t my nature.” Bradyheld out his hand to Anna. “Hi, Anna. I’m Brady. It’s such apleasure to meet you. Rex hasn’t stopped talking about you.”
Anna’s cheeks pinkened, but she graspedBrady’s hand and shook it. “It is so nice to meet you, Brady. Imust admit, I’ve heard plenty about you as well.”
