“Ready for lunch?”
“Is it that time already?”
“Yep. The deli across the street is calling our name.”
Reaching into my desk drawer, I grab my purse and phone and switch the phones to the out-to-lunch message. “Did I tell you that a new bakery is coming in down the street?” I ask her as we enter the elevator.
“Oh, God, my hips don’t need to hear that.” She laughs.
“Stop, you’re gorgeous. It will be convenient when needing breakfast for those early morning meetings. Hopefully, we can work with them, and they’ll deliver. Making our lives easier.”
“Good call. When are they opening?”
“I’m not sure. I heard them talking about it the other day when I stopped in at the deli to grab Owen and me some lunch.”
“We’ll have to keep an eye on it. That’s the perfect excuse for us to check it out and introduce ourselves,” she says as we exit the building.
Lunch is good as always; this little deli is on point with their food. The company’s even better. With each day, Sawyer and I get closer, and I value that friendship. I know she has a best friend in Hadley, but she’s quickly becoming mine.* * *I’m so engrossed in what I’m doing that I’m startled when the phone rings. It’s been really quiet this afternoon, and I’ve been able to mark things off my to-do list. “Riggins Enterprises, this is Layla,” I answer. Nothing greets me but breathing again. I’m sure it’s just kids, but it’s starting to not only piss me off but get a little creepy. “Riggins Enterprises, this is Layla,” I say again. Nothing but breathing, so I hang up.
“How was your day?” Owen’s voice pulls me out of my thoughts.
“Hey. You’re back sooner than I thought you would be.”
“It’s done. He’s playing games, and we’re over it. He’s going to have to find someone else to bail him out.”
“That’s sad for them, but at least you and Royce tried.”
“That we did. You in a place to head out early?”
Looking down at the clock, it’s thirty minutes until quitting time. “I don’t know. My boss might get upset.”
“Your boss says get your shit, we’re leaving,” he says, leaning over the desk for a kiss.
I stand from my chair and meet him halfway. “I guess it’s time to go then,” I say when I pull away from the kiss. “Let me call Sawyer and tell her.”
“Go on,” Royce says, coming out of his office. “We’re leaving for the day too,” he says, running his hands through his hair. “Turn off the phones, and let’s get out of here.”
“You heard the man,” Owen says.
Not needing to be told twice, I shut down my computer, turn the phones over to night mode, and grab my purse from my desk drawer, swiping my phone from the desk, following Owen to the elevator.
Before the elevator doors close, Owen has his arms around me, and I’m leaning into him. “What do you say we pick up dinner on the way home?”
“I don’t mind cooking.”
“I know, but I just want to hold you.” He kisses the top of my head. “I’m exhausted, and all I want to do is spend the rest of the evening with you in my arms.”
“How can I say no to that?”
“I was hoping you would say that. What sounds good?” We step off the elevator.
“Honestly, wings.” I grin up at him.
“Even better, they deliver. You can call and order when we get in the car, and it should be there not long after we get home.”
“Wings and my man. Sounds like a good night to me.”
“I love you.” He chuckles. My reply is to blow him a kiss as he opens the car door for me. Before we are even out of the garage, I have my phone to my ear ordering dinner.
“I’m going to grab a shower,” Owen says when we get home. “Here’s my wallet to pay for dinner.” He reaches into his pocket and hands me his wallet.
“I can—” I start, and he gives me a look that tells me not to argue.
“I’m buying dinner.” His shoulders are slumped, and he’s been quiet since we got home.
“You okay?”
“Yeah.” He sighs. “I’m just over today. I hate that we wasted so much time on this company, only to not have a deal in the end.”
“Go shower, wash the day away, and I’ll be here waiting for you.” That earns me a kiss, but not just any kiss. One that curls my toes as he heads to the shower. Not two minutes later, our food arrives. I leave it packed for now. I have other plans. When I enter our bedroom, I can hear the shower running. My man’s had a bad day, and it’s up to me to make it better. Stripping out of my clothes, I step into the bathroom. Owen has his arms braced on the shower wall, letting the water rain down on him. I slide in behind him, wrapping my arms around his waist. He places his hand over mine as I press a kiss to his back.