Page 23 of Obsessed Wolf Daddy

Firing up the account Sarah set up for me to run my program, I look through the latest analysis. I can't conceal the smile that spreads across my face as I note the success of all the variables she suggested running. Although I haven't shared the full scope of the project, Sarah has been so encouraging. The truth is, this software could really be something special. Tanya helped me tweak the initial program, and now, with this new data, I can close some of the data holes. In theory, the software could be installed on any device, automatically updating security protocols every time someone logs in, therefore protecting the device from cyber-attacks.

This could be huge,I think to myself as I work on some of the code, cross-referencing the data as I go. I save it all to aflash drive so I can ask Tanya to run through it, too. Her opinion is invaluable, and I know how lucky I am to have her in my corner. I wonder if Cole would look at it, too, or maybe I should ask Sarah and David, as they head up R&D. I don't want Cole to think I'm going to him just because we kissed. That I'm looking for some kind of favoritism from him.

Just thinking about Cole and the kiss sends a shiver rushing through my body. Seeing him at the general store with Annie had been delicious torture, being so close to him, but keeping our distance because I was working and Annie was there. I wonder what would have happened if we'd been alone? Does he regret kissing me, or does he want more?

I wish he hadn't seen me in my work clothes. I groan, thinking of the apron Annie insists we all wear; it's not exactly sexy or sophisticated. How will Cole ever see me as a serious contender in the cybersecurity game if he thinks I'm just a kid working in a general store? I haven't seen him since.

He kissed me, though. I've never felt passion or desire like it. That has to mean something, doesn't it?

Am I just being naive? Now that I've been here a few weeks, I've heard snippets of gossip about Cole. He comes across as aloof and business-like, but according to some of the staff who have transferred here from the West Coast, he's every bit as wild as Jonah appears to be. Darker, even…whatever that means. Just more discreet than Jonah.

Why on earth would he want someone like me?

I shake my head, trying to shake Cole's sexy face from my mind. I'm wasting valuable time thinking about a man who probably hasn't given me a second thought. I know for a fact he's going to haunt my dreams tonight, the way he’s done every night since we met. But right now, I need to focus. It feels like my wolf is obsessed with him.

"Hey, girl, what are you doing hiding in here?" Terrance calls out, causing me to spin around. "Didn't you hear about the donuts? Even Charlotte's coming down for them."

Charlotte hangs back at the door. "It's true. I'd only go anywhere with Terrance for donuts."

I laugh at her jibe. I wonder if working together has softened her feelings toward him, but perhaps not.

"I'm just working on a little side project," I say evasively. "They've been really great, letting me use some of their systems to test an idea."

Charlotte nods with approval. If anyone gets ambition, it's her.

Terrance, on the other hand, rolls his eyes. "Seriously?" he groans. "You're something else. Beauty and brains."

"Oh my God. Seriously." Charlotte rolls her eyes. "I've heard enough. I’m going to find a donut now. Don't work too hard, Saf."

I wave as she walks away, secretly hoping Terrance will follow her. The last time we were alone like this, Cole had appeared, and then we'd kissed in his office. The memory gives me goosebumps, and I fight the growing burn in my cheeks.

Unfortunately, Terrance doesn't leave. Instead, he steps closer. "Let's see what this project's all about then," he says, and before I can stop him, he turns the screen around.

"Don't be silly,” I say flippantly. “Let's go get those donuts." I laugh, desperately wanting to distract him. I'm not ready for anyone to know about this project yet. Ironically, stealing software is notorious in the cybersecurity field. Tanya's warned me to be careful so many times.

Terrance is many things, but he's not an idiot. In fact, he's actually quite brilliant. I see the look of shock and then recognition on his face as he scans the data. "Damn, Saf. This is amazing."

The honesty in his voice is both exhilarating and scary, and I know I need to play this down. “Thank you, really,” I say. “It's just something I'm playing around with for now. It's got so many holes in it."

Before I can stop him, he's clicked through another couple of pages. "Don't be modest. I don't see any holes here." There’s a look of concentration on his face. "This is major."

I panic slightly and pull the screen away from him. He looks at me in surprise, but before he says anything, I cut him off. "I don't know if it's major, okay? I need time to figure out my next steps. Can you please not say anything to anyone? I don't want to look stupid if it comes to nothing."

He chuckles. "Firstly, it's not going to come to nothing. This is hot shit, Saf. Secondly, I've got you. You know you can always trust me."

He steps forward and puts his hand on my shoulder. I think it's supposed to be a comforting gesture, but my wolf doesn't like it. I shrink back slightly, but I'm not sure he notices.

"We, uh, shouldn't get too close,” I tell him nervously. “Mr. Matherson doesn't seem to like any of that in the office, does he?" I turn to shut off my screen.

Terrance scoffs. "I really don't know what that guy's problem is. I think he just likes throwing his weight around. He needs to stay out of our business, right?"

I pause, not wanting to have this conversation with Terrance. And I definitely don’t want to think about Cole again. "Come on, let's go get a coffee from the machine," I say. "And thanks for not saying anything about my project."

"Sure thing," Terrance says, following me. "It's our little secret."

For some reason, the thought of Terrance knowing about my project makes me feel really nervous. Still, I try to smile and brush off my unease as we head toward the drinks machine. I’dhoped to get more done over lunch, but this distraction is worth it to get Terrance away from my workstation. Hopefully, he'll forget all about it.

"Whoa,” Terrance says suddenly. “Can't say the guy doesn't have taste, I'll give him that." He gives a low whistle, looking at the mezzanine level.

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