Page 47 of The Merger

“My grandmother was into plants. When she got old, we went to her house every day to check on her, run errands—that sort of thing. One of the chores was to help her tend to her babies, as she called them. The woman couldn’t see to pour herself a cup of coffee, but by gosh, she could see if you put an extra inch of water into her fern or whatever it was.”

I laugh.

“I always wondered why there wasn’t someone we could call to help. A home health for plants. Something like that.”

“Yes, exactly.” I nod proudly. “You get me.”

Movement catches my eye on my left, but I don’t turn. The shadow is tall and dark, giving off a moody, broody vibe.

A rush of tingles spreads across my skin.

“Hey, if you don’t have plans after work, do you want to grab some food?” John asks.

Gannon is just out of sight, but I know he’s there. He’s listening.Hmm…

“Actually, John, I’d love to have dinner with you,” I say. “But I have a party tonight for one of my closest friends. She bought her first house and is having a housewarming party. I’m sorry.”

“Oh, that’s okay.”

Gannon steps out of the shadows and into the light, stalking down the hallway toward us. Even though I can’t get a clear view of him, I can feel his vibes blasting our way. The intensity makes my mouth dry.

“Have fun at the party,” John says. “There’s always the possibility of next weekend, right?”

He must feel the glare pummeling his back because he glances over his shoulder. When he whips back around to face me, he’s pale.

“I’ll see you later,” he says.

“Bye, John.”

He races off into the opposite direction of Gannon.

My heart pounds as my sights set on the broody billionaire.

“What do you think you’re doing?” he asks, stopping inches away from me.

I gaze up at him, trying to decide how to play this interaction. I could do what I think he wants and insist it was nothing. There’s the option of treating him like a god like every employee who works here does. Or I can fuck with him a little. He might say I’m trouble, but something tells me he likes it—even if he doesn’t admit it.

Besides, what’s the worst thing he can do? Fire me?

“What do I think I’m doing?” I ask. “Sadly, not what I thought I’d be doing when I’m on my knees in front of you.”

His eyes blaze.

“Relax,” I say, my voice low. “No one can hear me.”

“Do you even know John?”

I balk. “What?”

“Do you know him beyond chatting a few words in the office?”

“No. Not really. What’s it to you?”

“He was asking you out, Carys.”

I side-eye him as I get to my feet and collect my things from the floor. “Yes, he did ask me out. Very nicely, I might add.”Which is why I’ll never go out with him.

“Allow me to give you some insight on your potential beau. Did you know he allegedly cheated on his last two girlfriends?”