Page 62 of Perfect Assumption

Angie frantically shakes her head. “I would never say…”

“Angie’s more tactful than you are, Ward. This is why we let her play with the clients first—you know, so we have some.” Carys tosses some of her own back at me.

I move over to one of the chairs and drop into it. Relaxing back, I interlock my fingers behind my head before commenting, “Don’t worry. She’s rubbing off on me.”

Angie gathers her papers together into a neat stack. “Doubtful.”

“Haven’t I been nicer to Becks as of late?” I chide. Without waiting for an answer, I inform my sister smugly, “I have been.”

“That’s because all your objections had no merit, Counselor. Now, why are you in here?”

“Because it’s past six and your husband called me to ask where the hell you were. He said to tell you to buy the damn database and to put Angie out of her misery.” I wink over at Angie, who flushes profusely under my attention.

“He would. He’s been listening to her wax poetic about this system for six months,” Carys grumbles.

“If you want more information, I can schedule more time,” Angie offers.

Carys waves her hand in the air. “No. But don’t you dare let them install a single thing while I’m in the office. I can just see it now. It would be the internet disaster part two.”

“Yes, Angie. Save us all from my sister having an epic meltdown over problems all businesses deal with every single day—a lack of broadband.”

“And that’s my cue to leave.” Carys stands.

As she rounds the table, she takes the time to slap me upside the head, prompting an involuntary “Ow!” from me.

She kisses the top of my head. “There, is that better?”

“You’d better leave before you don’t go home in one piece,” I mock.

She laughs on her way out the door, calling out her good-night to Angie. I open my mouth to ask what her plans are for the evening, but she beats me to it. “I know you miss your parents, but you’re so lucky to still have your sister.”

My whole body locks at her statement. “I’ve never thought of myself that way.”

Our eyes meet across the broad expanse of polished wood. Hers are unguarded for the first time. In them, I drown in depths of undiluted pain and unconscious yearning. For what?

For family? Or, I swallow as I stand to tower over her, for me?

“Have dinner with me?” I manage hoarsely. “I think it’s time for me to learn more about my friend. Don’t you?”

“What? Ward, we tempted fate once making it out of Redemption unfollowed. I don’t particularly feel like being news fodder tomorrow morning.” Angie scoops up her papers and clutches them to her chest like a shield.

My mind whirls. Where can I take her where we could avoid being followed? Then a slow smile spreads. “Be ready in fifteen minutes.”

“What? Ward, I can’t go anywhere like this. I’m dressed for work,” she protests.

I round the table cautiously until I’m standing right in front of her. “I think you look perfect just the way you are. And no matter where we go tonight, I’d be proud to have you on my arm.”

With the way her cheeks glow, I feel about two inches tall about my idiotic demands for the night we went to Redemption. The reality is I just want Angie.

However I can have her.

* * *

I slipinside the back seat of the car with Angie. She frowns up at the driver until I greet him by name. “Hayden, thank you for picking us up this evening.”

“My pleasure, Ward. The last time you called for me to do this, I believe you were three sheets to the wind after some law school reunion.” His rebuke causes Angie to snicker.

“Way to help me charm the lady,” I growl.