I head down to the second floor. On my way to my desk, I see Malik in Anna’s office, sitting beside her at her desk. He’d been in Montreal for the last few weeks, mostly recovering from his ordeal and spending time with his family. Now he’s back at Jameson, and I’m sure he’s ready to get back in the thick of things, although we both know that’s not going to happen right away.
Popping in, I wink at Anna and stick my hand out to Malik, who shakes it. “What’s up, Mr. Admin Man? Heard you’re riding a desk for a bit.”
“Just watching over Anna to make sure she does her job right,” he retorts with a grin. Anna gives him a quick jab in the ribs, and I laugh as he rubs the area.
“So what are you guys actually doing?” I ask as I plop into one of the guest chairs.
“Putting all past cases into Dozer’s new database,” Malik says.
“That dude is crazy smart,” I reply with a nod. Dozer has an IQ that I don’t even understand. Kynan actually stole him away from NASA. “That database is actually more along the lines of artificial intelligence. It will be able to learn the plans we enacted, where mistakes were made, and come to better solutions.”
Anna nods, and Malik flips through a memo. I think I’ve been dismissed so they can get back to work.
I should leave. Instead, I tell Anna, “So listen. Um… Jaime’s starting to think it’s weird she hasn’t met any of my friends or coworkers yet.”
Anna doesn’t look at me, but merely says, “Uh-huh.”
“And well, I’m taking her out to dinner tonight, but I thought maybe drinks would be nice first, you know?”
“Uh-huh,” she says again, and I get the distinct impression she’s not listening to me. Malik’s interested, though, and his gaze goes back and forth between Anna and me. He has no idea who Jaime is or why I’m even bringing this up. He’s been in captivity for months, and he doesn’t know Anna and I have become good friends.
He doesn’t even know I’m a reformed playboy with serious girl issues now.
“So you’ll come and meet her for drinks then,” I say resolutely as I stand from my chair, conversation over in my mind. “That’s great. Thanks so much.”
Anna’s head finally snaps up, proving she was sort of listening. “Wait! What?”
“You’ll come and meet Jaime for drinks, so she thinks I’m legit.” I turn for the door, giving her my back so she can’t say no.
“Wait a minute.” Anna’s voice is irritated and demanding. I turn to give her what I hope is a charming smile. “Thinks you’re legit? Have you not told her the truth yet?”
Malik frowns. He’s so confused.
I’m a little shamefaced when I admit, “Hasn’t been the right time.”
“Now would be the right time,” Anna says pointedly.
“I can’t. But I figure if she passes muster with you, then I’ll know she could potentially be the one, and then I’ll tell her.”
“Forget it,” Anna grumbles. “I’m not going to pretend to be a… what did you even tell her you do again?”
I sigh. “A used-car salesman.”
“Yeah… not doing that,” she replies with a firm shake of her head. I hear a vague snort of amusement from Malik. I think he’s catching on.
“You don’t have to pretend to be anything,” I insist. “Be yourself. You’ll just be coming as a good friend of mine.”
“Ask August,” Anna says, dismissing me by looking back down at her work. “I know you were good friends in Vegas.”
That’s true. August just moved here from Vegas, and he’d be a good wingman tonight. But I don’t really need a wingman. I need Anna and her infinite womanly wisdom.
“No one knows about Jaime except you, Anna. I only told you because I needed a woman’s opinion, and I trust you.”
I move my gaze to Malik, giving a tip of my head. “Guess I’m trusting you with this, too.”
He cocks an eyebrow, smirking. “You mean that you’re dating someone who thinks you’re a used-car salesman? Why the big secret?”
“Because Cage doesn’t do relationships,” Anna supplies, not even trying to hide the disgust in her voice. “Thinks it will ruin his rep or something.”
“That’s not it,” I snap. “This is new for me, Anna. I don’t want to fuck it up, and I want you to meet her. Please come.”
That sets Anna back a bit, her eyes flaring wide with a tiny hint of pity within them. “Fine. But I don’t want to be a third wheel, so Malik can come too.”
“Whoa,” Malik exclaims, looking panicked. “I don’t think—”
“You’re coming,” Anna says firmly, giving him no room to argue. I find it fascinating they’ve become that comfortable with each other in the short time he’s been back.
“Perfect,” I exclaim brightly. I give them the name of the restaurant and tell them what time to be there.