Page 18 of Dirty Deal (Slayers Hockey 5)

“I know.”

“It’s just— fucking finally.” I prop the small base unit so it’s aimed at the two of them. “It’s just… what if some nutjob came in here and—”

“I know, Axel.You want to make sure Otto’s safe.”

I want to make sure they’re both safe. “Yeah.”

“Turn on your phone.”

I pull up the app, and there they are. Both of them beautiful. Safe.

I can—

“You can go or stay, Axel.” This time, when she meets my eyes, it’s with gentle understanding. “If you’re not ready to leave him, it’s okay.”

Except I’m not going to have a choice this weekend. I can do this.

“Holler if you need anything.”

Then I force myself to walk the forty feet back to Talia’s office.

Twenty minutes later, I’m done, the end of our meeting rushed when I realized someone joined Otto and Nora in the lounge. Off-camera.

I round the corner at top speed, coming to an abrupt stop when I see the seat beside Nora occupied by Drake Haiden from Marketing. He’s holding a diet soda, chatting her up. The two of them going on like old friends.

I don’t like it.

Drake notices me first, and his phony smile cranks up.

What the hell is this guy doing in here? Doesn’t he have to work?

“Hey, man. Congratulations. Done with your meetings?”

“Yeah, we’re through.” I direct my attention to Nora, taking Otto in my arms because I need to feel him there. “Everything okay while I was gone? Next time, I’ll get you a private office so—”

“Otto is great. Drake here was nice enough to keep us company while he waited for his lunch delivery.” She gives him one of those killer smiles I remember from the before time. “Thanks again for the company.”

“Absolutely.” He grins, getting up himself. Then, like an afterthought, “Hey, give me your number real quick. I’ll see if Melissa is still looking to fill that position and put you guys in touch.”

There’s no way she’s going to fall for that shit. Sure, she’s already bought his bull about lunch. The guy’s probably got a bologna sandwich at his desk. But Nora’s way too smart—

She takes his phone and punches in her info.

Who. The. Fuck. Is. This. Guy.

And how the hell does she fall for everyone’s bullshit except mine? This isn’t good. I’m thinking I better have a word with Drake. And by word, I mean—

“Oww, fu—”

My shin throbs where Otto’s empty car seat just nailed me.

“Oops, sorry,Axe,” Nora sings softly. Not sorry at all.

She clipped me. On purpose.

I rub a hand over my mouth. “You are, are you?”

Her brow arches. Damn, she’s feisty. I can feel my grin growing, the seconds stretching as I get caught up in the look of challenge in her eyes.

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