Page 71 of Resisting the CEO (Dirty Hot Resistance 2)

Oliver barks in laughter. “No, she doesn’t.” He looks ridiculously pleased about this fact.

I think that if there’s ever a man I’ve seen madly in love with his wife, it’s him.

When we reach the top floor, it’s only to discover that Caleb isn’t in.

“Where the bullocks is he?” Oliver thunders.

“Did you try calling him?” I ask, politely, not the least bit fazed by the display of temper. I’ve seen Caleb’s. It’s a hundred times more terrifying.

“He’s not picking up,” Oliver growls at me.

I hear someone’s footsteps and we both look over in the direction of the door only to see Jace peek in. “Oh hey, Kendall. I thought you were back. Mr. Thornton.”

“Jace,” Oliver says in greeting.

Jace looks a little flushed, an air of agitation around him. “Ah, Kendall, do you think we could talk?”

“Right now?” I blink. “Sure. What is it?”

Jace looks uncertain, glancing at Oliver.

I’ve never seen him like this. Usually, he’s calm and cocky and sarcastic.

“Maybe later over lunch.”

A cool voice sounds from behind him, “Miss West is busy today. And judging by the files I know you’re working on, so should you be, Mr. Hunter. Unless you’re still aiming for that desk.” Caleb enters the room, looking annoyed at seeing Jace.

He just narrows his eyes at Caleb. “I was just inviting her to lunch.”

“Well, she’s busy.” Caleb stares at him, like one would at a lesser being, a look that he has mastered quite well. He can reduce anyone into tremors of self-doubt or to a lack of self-worth with one quelling look. He’s never turned it on me, but I suspect my reaction would be to hit him with something.

I am surprised though, at the hostility Caleb is displaying. I thought he liked Jace. “Maybe tomorrow,” I interject, wondering what’s crawled up Caleb’s ass and how to dislodge it with the least effort possible.

Jace glances at me and opens his mouth before Caleb cuts him off smoothly, “She’s quite busy this week, Mr. Hunter. She’ll get back to you.”

Yeah. Once I’ve received a thorough explanation from Caleb about why he’s acting like my secretary.

“Don’t worry, Jace. We can meet over dinner sometime.” I feel the weight of Caleb’s glare and cheerfully ignore him.

Jace leaves, looking sullen.

I shift my attention to the remaining men in my office, and blink at them.

Oliver is observing Caleb who in turn is shooting me a disapproving look.

“What?” I ask in response.

“Well,” Oliver breaks the resulting silence when Caleb just chooses to brood. “You’re certainly very popular, Miss West.”

“Kendall,” I correct him.

“Yes, well. Quite in demand, I see.”

“No, she’s not,” Caleb says, curtly. “Kendall get me a latte, please. And Oliver will have a cappuccino.”

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Oliver scowls then. “I’ll have a latte as well.” He follows Caleb into his office.

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