Page 104 of A Convenient Secret

Never had I realized what a cock blocker kids are.

It’s been four days since I returned from Chicago, and we’ve fucked once. Once. I planned toworkfrom home this week, but the housekeeper returned. Why do I even need a housekeeper?

I’ve half a mind to buy another condo in my building for booty calls.

But it’s not even about having Lily naked in all possible ways. I miss talking to her. Between unexpected evening meltdowns, falling asleep while reading, and my work demands, we seem to miss each other.

“Are you listening to me?” Roxy taps her pen on her thigh.

I blink, and realize the other three partners are staring at me. “Why do we hold a meeting in my office?”

Roxy narrows her eyes, examining me for signs of a mental breakdown. “You called the meeting.”

Shit. “Sorry, it’s been a busy morning.”

“Daydreaming?” Xander snorts, leaning against the closed door.

I don’t even look at him. “I wanted to give you an update on my follow-up from Chicago. The company looks sound, but I have some concerns.”

The company in question is a startup that our client, Baldo Cassinetti, wants to buy. A company that we would have bought for him if it wasn’t for Lily’s keen eye.

“What concerns?” Corm asks from his seat across from my desk.

“I’ve noticed irregularities in the bookkeeping, and I sent the files to our forensic accountant. He confirmed this morning that the company has been inflating its revenue streams. He also found discrepancies in their expense reporting.”

“Fuck.” Caleb puffs out air from his cheeks.

“Why didn’t you tell us about your suspicions?” Xander throws his arms up in exaggeration.

Because my head has been elsewhere. Mostly inmy nether region. Because a part of me was more busy trying to figure out why Lily is this savvy with accounting practices. I came up empty-handed, which drives me crazy. Goddammit.

“You know Declan doesn’t assume; he always backs up his claims with data,” Corm says. Oh, yeah, I guess I still have a reputation for having things under control.

Xander bows his head, shaking it. “Sorry. This was such a good match. Okay, I’ll call Cassinetti.”

“Are we reporting them?” Caleb asks.

“Is it just creative accounting, or outright fraud?” Corm turns to me.

“I will need to dig deeper. But if it’s just creative inflating of their value, we might use it for our advantage and save Cassinetti money.”

“Okay.” Corm stands. “Xander, talk to Cassinetti. Declan, you dig deeper, and Cal, you should look at their operations to make sure accounting is the only problem. I’ll make a few calls to scout a plan B.”

Everyone moves to leave.

“Actually, since you’re all here,” Roxy interrupts.

What now? I fucking want to talk to Lily.

“I have three candidates for the position to lead the London office. Plus the recruitment company suggested two names here in the States who might beinterested in relocating. How do you want to proceed?” Roxy looks from me to Corm.

“I don’t have time to vet people.” Corm shrugs. “Declan will do it.”

“Are you kidding me?” I stand up and walk around the table.

All four of us stand in a semicircle, glaring at each other.

Roxy smirks from the corner. “While I enjoy the standoff, I think you should partner up on this one.”