Page 86 of Bossy Wicked Prince

Brinley slides up to the table and puts our check down. “Whenever you’re ready,” she says with a smile.

Pippa's hazel eyes brighten. “Hey, Brinley, you know Nate Walsh, right?”

She cocks her head. “Yeah, he’s friends with my brother. Why?”

“My friend Cat here works for him, and I think he’s got a crush on her.”

“He does not have a crush on me!” I kick Pippa under the table. “I’m his assistant.”

“His assistant he spent Thanksgiving with. That’s crush territory. What’s your read on him, Brinley? Did he ever hit on you?”

She snorts. “No way. All those guys basically pretend I don’t exist. I’m just Luke’s little sister, and my brother still acts like I’m some snotty eight-year-old shooting spitballs at him.”

“Shoot some at my brother if you see him,” Pippa says.

“I’ll try,” Brinley says, smiling. “Look, this might be out of line to say, so tell me to shut up if you want. I barely know Nate, but I don’t trust a guy who hits on women who work for him. I’d tread carefully if I were you.”

Pippa grins, happy to have someone on her side. I, on the other hand, bristle. This woman just admitted she doesn’t even know Nate, but she’s ready to trash talk him already. Words bubble up in my head, and I’m ready to tell her where to get off with her totally unfounded advice.

The only thing that stops me is Pippa. Brinley’s her friend, and I don’t want to embarrass her. Besides, I love Wine Wednesdays. I shouldn’t piss off the person who hosts them.

“Okay,” I say tightly. I’m sure the annoyance is clear in my voice.

Brinley shifts from one foot to the other. “Sorry. Just my opinion. I’m sure you know more than me.”

“It’s fine.” I grab my wallet and pull out some cash. “Here, I got it. The pie was great, by the way.”

Brinley leaves our table, and Pippa gives me a pleading look. “I think you’ll really like her, once you know her better. She’s opinionated, but a total girls girl, you know. I always see her looking out for everyone who leaves this place Wednesday nights—just like you would.”

I access the work drive from my phone. Finding the documents Nate needs is easy, but for some reason, I can’t seemto access them. I probably have to be logged into the admin system. I type out a text to him.

Cat

I’m out with a friend right now, but I’ll send it from my laptop when I get home.

His answer comes so quickly, it’s like he’s been staring at his phone, waiting.

Nate

Do you need a ride home? I can send my driver.

Of course. Just because we’re not dating anymore, that doesn’t mean his obsession with security vanished overnight.

Cat

I’m good, don’t worry!

Dots dance across the screen for a moment before Nate’s response arrives.

Nate

You made a deal, Cat. If you’re out late, I make sure you’re driven home.

Cat

Actually, our deal was I get rides home when I’m working late, Mr. Paranoid.

Not at work.