Page 50 of Fair Trade

Which is why I know she probably feels like crap and should be at home resting.

“Go home.” My words come out harsher than expected. I can’t help but be irrationally upset with Luisa’s cycle. I want her home, with a heating pad and a plethora of snacks at her disposal.

And if I dared dream a bit too hard, that home would be with me.

She places her hands on her hips, a fighting stance in her book. “Excuse me? This is my office, andthatis my chair. You have five seconds to get the fuck out of it.”

A smile blooms on my face without permission.

Ah, how I’ve missed her.

“And before you go running off to HR, remember that it was you who told me that’s exactly what I should say to anyone who dared take my rightful place.” She tilts her head, eyes studying me. “Or was that all bullshit too?”

My scowl is back in full force.

I told myself I wouldn’t engage in any arguments with Luisa since I am, in fact, trying to rebuild some of what we lost. But it seems like I’m going to have to set the record straight on everything that’s been playing on her mind since I left.

“I’ve never lied to you, Luisa. Not once. But I have—”

“Oh, spare me,” she interrupts. “I’m not doing this song and dance with you any longer, Stonehaven. If you don’t mind, we can go back to doing business as usual, so feel free to hop back on your jet and fly your ass to—”

“Knock, knock. Am I interrupting something?” Daisy asks as she stands by Luisa’s open office door with a look of concern on her face.

Perfect timing.

Luisa takes a deep breath, fortifying herself it seems, before she plasters on a polite smile and turns Daisy’s way.

I angle myself so I don’t miss the moment she sees my dog happily wagging her tail by my sister’s side.

She doesn’t attempt to hide her surprise, and for a moment, she forgets that she loathes me and drops down to her knees and squeals, “You brought your doggie to work today?” My pup wastes no time, smothering Luisa in sloppy kisses. I have to bite back my insane jealousy.

Daisy gives me a “what the fuck?” look as her eyes bounce between Luisa and me.

I shrug, as if to say, “It’s how we are.” And she shakes her head with a slight eye roll.

I take this opportunity to clear up a misunderstanding that’s been weighing on me. “Luisa, please take my dog out on a proper date before you take her to second base.” I tease as I stand and walk their way.

Luisa rears back, as if realizing that I’ve seen her smile and giggle for the last thirty seconds, leaving her vulnerable to my banter.

“Oh, she’s a girl dog? I thought—” She stops before she says something in front of Daisy that will most likely lead to more questions. Like how she already knew I had a dog.

Daisy leans down to pat her furry niece’s imposing side. “Oh yeah. She’s a big girl, but still a puppy at heart. Aren’t you, my sweet little Delilah?”

Luisa’s hands on my dog still as her head whips up toward Daisy. “Wh-what did you say her name was?” Her voice comes out scratchy, as if she’s attempting to swallow a tough pill.

I squat down next to Luisa, giving the excited ball of fluff a gentle pat. “Her name is Delilah. My dog goes wherever I go, which includes my travels to London.” I attempt to make eye contact, but her gaze seems unfocused, as if she’s replaying the last time she heard that name. The same moment I’ve come to regret each night as my fingers itch to send her an email.

She stands suddenly. Wobbling a bit while blinking rapidly.

I shoot up quickly. “Easy there. You okay? Need to take a seat?” I ask worriedly.

She takes a deep breath. “No, I’m fine. Just need a minute.”

“Why don’t I get you a water? Or maybe a juice. Something with sugar?”

“I don’t trust you not to poison it,” she mutters.

“Why would I use poison when I can think of much more creative ways to make you docile?” I grin.