Page 10 of Boss On Notice
Orion blurts a laugh. “Heard? I didn’t know you were a gossip, Lilly.”
“It’s not gossip if it’s true.”
Our eyes are locked in a stare off. I’m perfectly okay with letting the subject of his history with Treasure Grove drop. After another long drink of my mimosa, I’ll say that to him.
“What have you heard?” he finally says while pouring maple syrup over his waffles.
The mimosas have made my tongue loose, which is why I relay everything I heard about his past with Treasure Grove, including the fact thatTop Rag Mag, who used to be the premier gossip blog, caught him grinding her ass in her restaurant.
“Also, the way you had me track down your brother and her last spring and summer, that was pretty mad-king of you.” My head feels light. I think the amount of alcohol in the mimosas is hiding behind the delicious flavor.
Orion nods coolly. I’m finally able to identify that look on his face. It’s a new expression for him. I think the uninhibited posture I’m taking with him surprises him. It surprises me too, but I like this feeling. I’m going to keep going with it.
“Sorry about that, Lilly. That was dickish of me, inappropriate. I’ll never give you that sort of assignment again. And the water the other day, sorry about that too?”
I narrow an eye. The water…What an odd thing to apologize for.My inner alarm blares like sirens on a fire truck. “Did you see what was on my computer screen this morning?”
I don’t take my attention off his face. I’m searching for all microscopic changes in his expression. But there are none.
“No, Lilly.” His voice is cool, calm, and collected.
He keeps calling me Lilly. Orion Lord is purposely on his best behavior.
“I don’t believe you,” I retort.
Orion composedly takes a sip of coffee. “What is it that you’re afraid I’ve seen? Are you hiding something from me?”
Now I see it. I see why he appears as if he’s flirting whenever he looks at me or anyone else. “Your eyebrows are thick and low, close to your eyes.”Did I say that out loud?
“Lilly…” He leans forward, leering at me like it’s nobody’s business. “Have you had two mimosas too many?”
Yes.“No!” That was too loud and defensive. I pull my shoulders back, showing that I’m in control of myself. “I mean, no.”
Orion snorts a chuckle. “I’m not complaining. I want you to enjoy yourself this weekend. And…” He’s stroking his chin thoughtfully again. “And to answer your question, yes, I had something with Treasure Grove. It was a long time ago. And yes, I didn’t want her and my brother together.”
Wow, he told the truth. The next question drops quickly into my head. “And now?”
“Now what?”
“When the officiant asks if anyone objects to this union speak now or forever hold your peace—will you forever hold your peace? Or will you speak now?”
He stares at me, and continues, and continues staring. I wait and wait for him to say something and watch to see if his expression will reveal the answer to my question.
Orion presses a call button.
“Yes, Mr. Lord,” a sultry female voice croons through the speaker.
“Pippa?”
“Yes.”
“More mimosas. Keep them coming.”
CHAPTER4
Too Close, Too Comfortable
DELILAH O’SHAY
