Page 37 of Idle

I reopen my eyelids, realizing we’re out in the open. Prying eyes from any source could be watching. “It’s been a long day,” I note. “I’d like to go back to the ViewPad and get some sleep before everything starts all over again.”

“You heard Quinn. She said we have three whole days off. No need to rush back to that cramped apartment.” His mouth twists in disdain.

“I know, but I’m beat. If I’m going to be of any use at all tomorrow, I’d like to get some rest.”

His hand slides up my forearm, and he yanks, pulling me half across the table. “I know a better way to get the juices flowing.”

My eyes zoom around the dining room. I used to not care about any sort of public displays, but now with everything going on around VOW-cubed, I’ve become much more sensitive. Especially after what the media did to my brother. And Xander.

I pull my arm away and sit properly in my chair. “Cameras can be anywhere,” I warn.

A broad smile covers his face. “Let them take photos. They’ll only be jealous I’m the one here with you.”

I retreat farther into my chair. The server chooses this moment to reappear with Bo’s credit card payment, and I use this opportunity to leap up. Slinging my purse cross-body, I thank her for her time and wait for Bo to stand.

“I’d like to return to the apartment, if you don’t mind.”

“Fine,” he mumbles. Then he turns, gives me a broad smile, and plants a kiss on my mouth. Before I can react, he trails kisses to my ear. “Are you sure? This seems like a more pleasurable way to pass the time, if you ask me.”

I place my palm on his chest. “I’m sure.”

He snatches my hand and intertwines our fingers. “Alright.” His voice raises. “Let’s go home.”

Knowing I can’t do anything to change the course of this derailing train, I go along with his outrageous behavior. Once we get into the taxi, I allow him to put his arm around my shoulders. We’ll be back at the apartment soon. I can confront him in private, like I’ve been taught all my life.

When we walk into the ViewPad, it’s dark save for a single light illuminating Jesse, who’s sitting on the leather chair in the living room.Shit.

Seeing him, Bo slings his arm around me and kisses my forehead. In a booming voice, he announces, “I had a great time tonight. So good, in fact, I don’t want it to end.” He pulls me into his body and kisses me again.

Not wanting to make a scene in front of even just one person, I allow the kiss. For a short time. Pulling away from Bo, I’m about to tell him that the date’s over when Jesse’s tenor booms.

“You better get caught up. I don’t want to deal with a slacker partner, not at this stage.” An envelope flies at me and lands at my feet.

Even though I’ve been annoyed at Bo all night—comparing him unfavorably with Jesse—my partner’s performance is way too high handed.

Bending down, I pick up the envelope. “Who the hell do you think you are? Father? I’ll look at this shit when I’m good and ready.” I throw it back at my partner. “I wish I’d been paired up with Bo!” With this final proclamation, I turn to my erstwhile date and plant a kiss on him, registering Jesse’s expression of disbelief and something much darker. Turning on my heel, I race into my bedroom. Let them figure it out.

Slamming the door behind me, I let out a frustrated sigh. What a shitshow.

A voice comes from a bunk across the way. “Everything alright?”

Mary Eileen is the last person on earth I want to see right now. I almost wish Nancy’s team had remained here.Almost.

“Fine.”

I breeze past her and go into the bathroom. After I’ve washed my face and brushed my teeth, some of the anger about what happened tonight dissipates. When I return to the main bedroom area, hoping she’ll be asleep, I’m rewarded with her sitting up in what used to be Nancy’s bed looking over some paperwork. Probably what Jesse wanted me to review.Fuck.

“Want to talk about it?”

While my suitcase serves as my closet, I use the actual dresser for my unmentionables and sleepwear. I open the drawer, pull out my nightshirt, and toss it onto my bed.

Seeing as I have no one else to talk with about this, I walk over to Mary Linda and stand with my fists on my hips. “It’s been a long day.”

“And night,” she supplies.

“True.” Knowing she was married to Bo, I can’t stop the question from leaving my mouth. “How do you do it?”

“I’m assuming you mean work with my ex-husband?”

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