Page 12 of Before and After

Those ink-black eyes focused on me.

“If Ro had asked you to come and look at some grenades, I think you’d look happier.”

He walked toward me, and I smelled his spicy cologne. My inner hussy released a whimper.

Jeez. I ignored her.

“This…isn’t my area of expertise,” Caden said.

“Mine either, Broody.” I held up a pastry. “But there’s food. So for a few minutes, pretend you’re human and decide which shade of blue you like best.”

Chapter 4

Caden

Drinking my black coffee, I pretended to give a shit about decorating. The women were all talking, with Ro interjecting with the odd comment or opinion.

“You’re pretending to care about this even less than I am,” Allie murmured so only I could hear.

“I don’t care what color the wall is.”

“No, you just care where you can stick your cameras.”

I sipped again. “Yes.”

“So why come?”

“My boss told me I had to.”And I knew you’d be here. I cleared my throat. “Plus, I don’t want to get on Tessa’s bad side.” I eyed her. “Why did you come?”

“My best friend told me I had to.” Allie grinned. “And she bribed me with food.” Allie reached past me and nabbed another pastry with a ridiculous amount of frosting on top.

Her scent hit my senses. She’d showered and she smelled like something fruity. Mango, maybe.

I knew I should leave. I’d been telling myself over and over to avoid distractions. To avoid her.

I’d made an appearance, so I could get out of there. I should not be standing next to Allie Ford. Smelling her, talking to her, watching her lips as she ate. She threatened my control.

My gaze drifted down her body. Her leggings showcased those damn long legs of hers.

I wondered how they’d feel wrapped around my hips.

Pressing my lips together, I fought back my irritation.Find some damn control, Castro.“I hope you won’t be late for work tomorrow.”

She cocked a brow. “Ah, there’s the Broody we know and love.”

Hearing the word love on her lips made me stiffen.

“I was late today because my kid needed me to walk him to his classroom. If he needs it again tomorrow, I’ll be five minutes late again.” She turned to face me, a fierce look in her eyes. “You going to give me a detention slip, Mr. Castro? Send me to the principal’s office?”

“I was just?—”

“Being an uptight, rule-following asshole.” She poked my chest. “I do my job and I do it well. No one can accuse me of slacking.”

“I never said you weren’t doing your job. You’re excellent at it.” And way overqualified to work in housekeeping.

“Oh.” Faint color appeared in her cheeks.

“Your team members love you. You get excellent comments in the staff surveys.”