Page 94 of Imogen

“We need your help,” George dramatically declares. “The launch is going to shit.”

“It’s not going to shit,” Laura scolds, giving him the side-eye. “It’s just hitting a few snags.”

“They still need her help,” George mutters.

I love his loyalty. He’s still pissed that they fired me, but he has no reason to be. They did what they had to, and I can’t begrudge them for that.

“Come on in out of the cold,” I offer, rushing up the steps to open the door. “And ignore the brutes if they try to speak to you.”

“Brutes?” she questions, and I hear her steps come to a stop.

“You’ll be fine,” I promise her.

“I’m intrigued.”

I hold the door open for them and the complaints begin. “Shut the door!”

“Were you born in a barn?”

“We have company,” I yell, startling Laura as I close the door behind them. “Be on your best behaviour.”

Laura gulps. “Maybe we should meet up later?”

“You stole company property,” George blurts out. “You might need to beg Imogen for a job soon so I would get used to them now.”

My eyes widen as I come to a stop at the edge of the main room. “You stole the laptop?” I whisper. I knew it looked familiar but I didn’t want to assume.

Her cheeks flush red. “Yes. But I wouldn’t have done it if it wasn’t vital. I’ve poured my blood, sweat and tears into this project and I am not going to let it fall apart because a group of men think they are the better sex and know everything.”

“Marry me,” Dean pleads.

She gapes when she realises the room is crowded. I notice Ben, who was talking to Dad before I went out to meet George, stop to see what is going on.

“Piss off, Dean. She’s too good for you.”

“Can I have your number?” Levi asks.

“Oh my god,” George whispers. “I’ve landed in dick heaven.”

“George,” Laura scolds under her breath.

“I have a boyfriend. I have a boyfriend,” he chants.

“Dad, we’re going to sit in the staff room,” I tell him as he begins to walk over.

“Is everything okay? I thought you were having lunch with a friend?”

“Um, yeah. This is George. George, this is my dad,” I introduce.

George holds out his hand, his lips parted. “Nice to meet you. Imogen has told me a lot about you.”

George doesn’t let go of his hand, and I can see my dad trying to get free. “George, you might want to let go of my dad’s hand.”

“I have a boyfriend,” George blurts out, dropping Dad’s hand.

Dad’s eyes crinkle in the corners. “And I’m married.”

George sighs heavily. “A damn shame.”

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