Page 18 of Secrets & Desires
Roan sighed. “Look, I’ll work on Odelle, apologize, make it up to her.Marryher.”
“Odelle may be a strange fish, but she won’t fall for any fake sentiments or actions. If you marry her you had better damn mean it. Or you’ll have me to answer to, as well as Odie.” Nox was irritated, but Roan held up hishands.
“I hear you.” He studied his friend. “What about you? You made a move on the lovelyLiviayet?”
Nox couldn’t help his smile. “That is going very, very well, thanks. She’sadorable.”
“You bringing her to Thanksgiving? You can, you know. She can meetthegang.”
Nox smiled, but didn’t answer. “Look, get together an idea for the kind of business you’d like to run, and we’ll talk more, make a business plan. There’s a couple of empty offices here you can use as a base. Don’t harass the female staff, is allIask.”
“WouldI?”
“Yes.”
Roan laughed. “I promise to be good. Thanks, man. Iappreciatethis.”
“Just take it seriously. This could be a turningpoint.”
Roan smiled at his friend. “You know, you’re an excellent bigbrother.”
Nox ignored the pain that shot through him—an excellent big brother, just like Teague was—and hid it with a smile. “Damn straight. And Iwillkick your ass if you screwthisup.”
Roan stood and shook Nox’s hand. “I swear to you, Nox, I won’t letyoudown.”
“Go tell that toOdelle.”
“I will. Thanks,brother.”
Livia waitedas the receptionist tried not to stare at her. She smiled at the young woman, who flushed slightly. “Sorry.”
Livia shrugged. “It’s okay. What’syourname?”
“Pia.”
“Hey, Pia, I’m Liv. I’m kind of seeingyourboss.”
Pia smiled. She was young, early twenties Livia guessed, with big blue eyes and jet-black hair. Gorgeous. “I know. He’s such a great guy, greatboss,too.”
Livia smiled and wondered if Pia had a crush on her boss. She couldn’t blame her. The next minute, Livia realized Noxwasn’tthe object of Pia’s affection when Sandor came into the reception and handed her some notes. Pia flushed a deep scarlet and Livia hid asmile.
Sandor grinned at her. “Hey, Livvy, great to see you. Does Nox knowyou’rehere?”
She shook her head. “I told Pia I’d wait until hewasfree.”
Sandor threw a smile at Pia, which made the young woman light up. “Nah come on, it’s only Roan who’s inwithhim.”
Sandor led her back to Nox’s office. As she walked with him, she nudged his shoulder. “That girl has a king-sized crushonyou.”
Sandor rolled his eyes. “I’m old enough to be herfather,Liv.”
“So?”
Sandor laughed. “I’m not a cradlesnatcher.”
Livia felt a little sting—after all, there was twelve years between her and Nox. Sandor saw her smile falter and guessed what she was thinking. “Totallydifferent situation,” he said hurriedly. “I’m forty-five, Pia isnineteen.”
“Ugh, okay, I get it. Don’t tell Pia Itoldyou.”
