Page 59 of Inevitable

“How’d it go with Sumner?”

I stilled but then realized he meant business-wise. “Fine.”

“Interesting.” I didn’t like the smug little note to his tone.

“Cody,” I snapped. “Do you need something?”

I had countless emails to go through for the Wolfe Group, let alone the stuff on my latest project with Alexis. A workout. A podcast interview to prepare for. All things I’d been putting off in New York. Putting off to be with Sumner.

But the truth was, none of it mattered. These past few weeks, I’d come to realize that my team was more than capable of running the Wolfe Group. It was why I’d hired them after all. And I was using work as an excuse to avoid my feelings about Sumner.

“Sheffield returned the contract. I’m surprised you were able to sell him on the former Masonic lodge.”

I lifted a shoulder. “That was all Sumner.”

“Impressive.”

I nodded. It was an impressive feat, especially considering how shy she’d been as a child. But she was nothing like that child now. She was assertive and confident, negotiating with ease and closing deals.

“Anything else?” I asked.

He shook his head, excusing himself from my office. I immersed myself in work and lost track of time, catching up on everything that had happened while I was gone. When there was a knock at the door a while later, I glanced up and my heart stalled.

“Ian?”

“You don’t seem happy to see me,” he teased, walking into my office and sitting across from me.

“No. What?” I shook my head. “Of course I am. It’s just—”

“Now’s not the best time,” he finished for me with a wry grin.

I furrowed my brow. “Um. Yeah. Work is crazy. You know what it’s like when you’re gone for a day, let alone a week,” I said, hoping he’d empathize and let me off the hook.

“You work too much.” He stood. “Come on. Cody told me you haven’t had lunch yet, and I want to hear about New York.”

“New York?” My voice came out squeaky.

“Yeah. I texted Sumner a few times, but it sounded like you guys were pretty busy.”

I tried to swallow, but it felt impossible, my throat was so tight. A boa constrictor was wrapped around my windpipe, squeezing. “We… Uh, yeah.”

“What’s up with you? You’re acting weird.”

“Am I?” Another squeeze. I was struggling to string two words together. My heart pounded, and I was convinced he’d known what I’d done just from the sound of my voice. I couldn’t avoid him the rest of my life, but I hadn’t expected to have to contend with him so soon after returning from New York.

“Come on,” he said, and I knew there was no getting out of it.

I stood and followed him to the door. Maybe we could get a quick bite at one of the food trucks down the street. Perfect.No sitting meant less time to talk.

“Should we swing by Sumner’s desk on the way and invite her?” he asked as we headed toward the elevators.

“No,” I blurted, then quickly backpedaled. “I mean, I think she had lunch plans already with one of the associates.”

I had no idea what her plans were, but I knew that Sumner, Ian, and me alone together was a terrible idea.

“That’s good.” He smiled. “I’m glad she’s making friends. She seems a lot happier lately.”

“Yeah?”