Page 10 of Nothing to Beat

Roxie raised a finger to Baker.“Oh, you know who’s from Chicago?Miguel.”

“The… staff chef?”

“Yes!Ask him… Want me to ask him?”

“No, I can ask him.I’m sure the kitchen could make—”

“Okay, but if they do, don’t tell me.”Roxie leaned back and patted her belly.“There’s a figure under here our Emperor likes playing with.If I find out there’s a limitless supply of Chicago pizza in the building… Phew, forget the wedding, he’ll have to roll me out of bed.”

“Okay,” Baker said on a laugh that was joined by Roxie’s smile.“Anything else?”

“Yes.”Roxie grinned.“Keep being you, Baker.You’re a superstar I wouldn’t be able to live without.”

“Yes, Roxie,” he said like maybe he’d heard it before and disappeared to do as told.

“I love that guy.”

“You’re kind to all of your staff,” Alice said.“From what I hear, you’re on first name terms with them all.”

“Like you, you mean?”Another smile.“Z knows them all by name, I was backed into a corner.Can’t be outdone, can I?Though with you in the building, Alice, the rest of us are put to shame.”

“You’re a very generous employer.”

“Says the kindest woman in the whole world,” Roxie said to Alice.“Z’s got me beat there too.They walk all over him.He’s not good at cracking the whip.”

“Zairn listens,” Sequoia said.“It’s one of his best qualities.”

“Until it gets me into trouble.”Roxie’s eyes narrowed.“I love meeting people who’ve known him a long time.”

Startled, she didn’t expect to be the instant focus of everyone.“Oh, I haven’t known him… he’s closer to my sister.Breck’s known him forever.He has a lot of respect for Zairn, a lot of time for him.”

“And Breck doesn’t have a lot of time for a lot of people,” Savanna said.“I think the only time I ever exchanged words with him was when Darroch was in the hospital.”

Roxie reached for Savanna’s hand on instinct.To comfort her?

“Darroch’s okay now, isn’t he?”

“Oh, yeah, that’s all done and forgotten and… I’d like to know Breck better.”

“My eldest has always been the most discerning,” Alice said, taking some of the heat, thank God.“He’s protective of the people he cares about and sees it as his responsibility to corral his brothers.He’s also a teller of truth, often guiding others from unwise paths.”

Except her… hmm, or maybe that should be himself.

“How long have you been together?”Roxie asked.

Wasn’t the first time she’d been asked that question when—“We’re not together.Haven’t been for a while now.”

“It can’t be easy to be with a guy who doesn’t say much,” Savanna said, enjoying her cocktail.“Darroch never shuts up.”The woman looked to Alice.“Not that I don’t love that about him.”

Alice laughed.“Darroch lights up with you, Sweet Savanna.You inspire that energy in him.”

“Probably inspires energy in him when they’re alone too.”

Although Roxie feigned murmuring under her breath, the whole room heard.

“Roxie!”

Though Savanna chastised, Roxie’s eyes widened in innocence.“What?So we’re not allowed to talk about sex at all?”