Page 49 of Bargain With the Boss

I’d opted for the Shadow instead of my car since the day was sunny again. I took the long way around, still annoyed that I hadn’t heard from Sydney.

Christ, she’d been so angry with me. Not that I had done anything wrong. I was just worried about her. She didn’t know anyone in town and the first friend she makes is a fucking Maitland?

How?

I kicked it into gear, the hum of the engine pushing out my annoyance as I took the winding back roads that led to the old factories. A few more of them had been snatched up for offices and an art studio. Just beyond our office was the Wainwright’s printing press. As I pulled into our parking lot a car was idling near the front door.

My pocket buzzed as I slid my kickstand down. I pulled off my helmet just as the door to the car opened. Sydney’s shapely leg stepped out. The summery shoes from the shopping trip were back on and my tongue pressed on the back of my front teeth as I hissed out a breath. She was wearing one of the dresses from Vintage December. This one a wrap style that showed off every one of her curves. The summery turquoise set off her pale skin and made her red hair look like fire.

Goddamn, she was beautiful.

She turned and looked at me, her face cool and her eyes hidden behind her oversized sunglasses. She spoke to the driver then closed the door, waiting with her massive bag.

Had she stopped back at the Sherman? Or had she come right from the enemy camp?

I slipped off my bike and hooked the helmet to my handlebars. She had her hip cocked and my lips twitched when her foot literally started tapping. I took my time crossing the lot to the walkway. Her golden eyes flashed behind her honey colored shades.

Her gaze drifted over my dusty self. “I didn’t have access to the building. Suppose we can fix that today?”

“I have an extra set of keys for you. Are you planning to ride share to work every day? I could have picked you up.”

Her lips flattened. “That’s not necessary.”

I shrugged. “Bet you’d look good on my bike. Might be a little harrowing with that slit in your dress.”

“It’s perfectly modest.”

“Duchess, nothing about that dress is modest.”

Her nostrils flared adorably.

“I’m not complaining.” When she just stared at me, I sighed. “Still mad at me?”

“I’d have to care to be angry.”

I grinned. “Oh, honey you totally care.”

“Duchess, honey, what will it be next? Baby?”

I stepped closer and she sucked in a breath. “Baby doesn’t suit you.”

She licked her lips. “Can we just work, please?”

“Sure.” Suddenly cheered by her acerbic tone, I unlocked the front and put in my code for the alarm. I opened the door and let her go ahead of me. “A few days away help?”

“I was working from—” She cut herself off as she stepped inside and crossed the room to our coffee station.

So she had been with Claire, but I decided to let it go. At least she was here. A part of me wondered if she’d back out and stophelping FHK. We could get by without her even if I didn’t want to.

After a few days?

God, I needed to get a grip.

She came back with two mugs, handing one to me.

“Thanks.”

“Can we discuss some sort of schedule?”