Page 7 of Deep in Her Marrow

“Liar.” She snorts before turning around. “I’ll just leave you to it.” She looks over her shoulder and gives me a wink. “Have fun.”

“About as much fun as a root canal,” I mumble when she’s gone.

I grab the stack of applications and shake my head. Some of the women have even helpfully included pictures of themselves, wearing only lingerie. I toss those out immediately. Honest to God, some people are damn shameless.

I get it from an objective point of view. The men here are very good looking, in a scary sort of way. But crap on a cracker, how are you going to fill out an application with a damn picture of yourself practically nude. Oops, make that completely nude for this over achiever.

I crumple that one up and toss it in the trash can as well. I guess I know why there were so many applications for a simple receptionist position. It’s going to take me forever to weed out the wannabe girlfriends. I snort to myself. More like one time fun where JT and Draven are concerned.

“What’s so funny?” A deep voice questions while effectively scaring the ever-loving shit out of me.

I whirl around and clutch my chest. “Can you not do that please? I’m too young to die of a heart attack,” I hiss and then immediately want to crawl into my cave.

Marrow’s deep chuckle makes my stomach flutter. “Sorry Darlin’. I figured you heard me approach. I’m not a small and stealthy man.”

I swallow the saliva that’s suddenly pooling in my mouth. He’s got that right. There is nothing small about him and for once that doesn’t fill me with soul crushing terror. Although the other feelings now coursing through me are unwelcome as well. I’m safer staying away from men dammit.

“Erm, I was distracted by the applications for a new receptionist.” I couldn’t sound anymore awkward if I tried.

He raises his eyebrows in surprise and I have a feeling it’s mainly due to the fact that I actually spoke to him. To his credit he hides his shock so quickly that if I hadn’t been looking right at him, I would’ve missed it altogether. “You guys lost the new one already? That’s got to be some sort of a record, even for this place.”

He walks around the desk, towards the couch in the lobby area, making sure to leave plenty of space between us before taking a seat. Normally, something like that would fill me with gratitude. But right now, it makes me feel sad and frustrated. The reasoning behind that feeling is not something I plan to examine too closely.

I shake my head and swivel my chair so that I’m facing him. “Unfortunately, she had her sights set on landing one of the guys. When that didn’t work out, she just up and quit. Which leaves me going through all of these applications while wondering if we’ll ever find one who isn’t trying to get one of them naked.”

His lips quirk. “Going that well, huh?”

“I’ve seen more naked women than any woman should ever be forced to see,” I say in disgust. “I mean, who actually sends in nude pictures while applying for a job? Like hello, anyone could’ve seen them. A damn creeper could plaster them all over the internet,” I rant before shutting my mouth. What in the world has gotten into me today?

“What’s a creeper doing?” JT asks while strolling in, with Draven and Edge on his heels.

I scowl at him since he’s part of the reason I have to go through all these damn pictures. “A creeper isn’t doing anything. I, however, am going through all of these wonderful applications.” I smile tightly at them. It only has a slight serial killer edge to it.

“None of the applicants are good?” Edge asks while taking a seat next to Marrow.

I shrug. “I’m not really sure since most of them are just naked pictures with their names and phone numbers on it.”

Edge grimaces. “Fuck,” he hisses.

“I’m pretty sure that’s what they’re hoping for,” I deadpan, feeling somewhat like my old self. Sarcasm was a way of life for me once upon a time. It’s a true form of art if done correctly.

They all stare at me for a moment before JT recovers from his obvious shock first. “Well, I wouldn’t want you to have to suffer with going through all of these. I’ll just take them for you and check out all of the applicants.” He starts to move towards me before Draven slaps the back of his head and yanks him back by his neck.

“Oww.” He rubs the back of his head. “Why the hell did you do that? I’m trying to be helpful.” The lying ass pouts.

“Why don’t you go be helpful somewhere else,” Edge growls from his seat.

JT shakes his head sadly. “No one ever appreciates how much I try to help out around here,” he grumbles as he walks towards his room.

“It would be helpful if you didn’t flirt with every woman who works here,” I call to him.

He turns around and crosses his arms. “I don’t flirt with every woman who works here. I have never flirted with you or Mel,” he states triumphantly.

“Thank God for small miracles,” Edge states as he leans forward. “But don’t think you’re not still the problem.”

I raise my index finger while shaking my head. “Nu-huh, he’s only part of the problem. You and Draven play a role as well.”

Edge and Draven give me matching incredulous looks while JT smiles smugly making me narrow my eyes at him. “Don’t even smile like that. You’re the biggest problem but, these two aren’t without fault either.”

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