I sigh happily. “He’s still recovering.”
“How’s he doing?” Gemma asks hesitantly. We’re still testing the waters, when it comes to the sibling stuff. One toe at a time. In the shallow end. Wearing those inflatable arm-floaties.
“He’s crashing at my place, sleeping a lot because of the pain meds and watching the entire series ofSons of Anarchyon Netflix while yelling at me to bring him a near-constant supply of snacks.” I roll my eyes. “He doesn’t seem too upset about the bullet wound. In fact, he keeps saying it’ll be — and I quote —total chick bait.”
Everyone laughs.
“If you don’t mind me asking… What’s going to happen to the company, now that your father’s in federal custody?” Chase asks. I can see the CEO wheels turning in his mind — it’s only natural he’d be curious. WestTech and Croft Industries have done business together in the past.
“We’re still figuring that out,” I say softly, worry churning in my gut. In the two days since the FBI raid, there’s been so much going on I haven’t had time to think what Milo West’s incarceration will do to the family company. “I guess Parker and I will need to have a discussion. Preferably when he’s no longer hopped up on percocet.”
“If you need anything, don’t hesitate to call,” Chase offers kindly. I can tell by the look in his eyes it’s not some empty offer, either — he means it.
“Thank you.”
The door to the back room swings open again.
We all look at the same time… and sigh in unison when we see a chubby corgi waddling out.
“I hate this.” I knit my hands together.
A kiss lands on my temple. “Don’t worry, little bird. It won’t be too much longer.”
“So, Knox.” The forced nonchalance in Lila’s tone makes both of us glance her way. “Now that Mac is behind bars – at least temporarily – and the police are rounding up his boys and Phoebe’s officially out of danger… does that mean your men aren’t going to be on the clock 24/7 anymore?”
His eyes narrow. “I don’t follow.”
I elbow him. “She’s asking if Theo and Alden and whatever other hotties you’ve got on payroll are going to have nights off.”
He glances at me. “Hotties?”
I nod.
He scoffs and looks back at Lila. “I don’t do matchmaking.”
“You owe me!” she tells him, pointing a finger at me. “That one never would’ve gone for you without a push.” She pauses. “A push fromme, in case that wasn’t clear.”
He looks at me, eyebrows raised.
I shrug. “It’s kind of true.”
He sighs deeply. “Theo doesn’t date. Alden had a girlfriend last time I checked. I really don’t know about Lucas or Owen.” Nate sounds pained. “IsupposeI can check with them.”
“Ohhh, Lucas and Owen?” I murmur. “Iknewthere were more hotties.”
Lila squeals happily. Gemma and I squeal, too. (For moral support.)
Chase and Nate both look at the ceiling, seeking guidance.
The door swings open. I hold my breath as I turn to look, then jump to my feet when I catch sight of the tiny Pomeranian. He’s limping, there’s a bandage wrapping his bruised ribs, and his pristine fur coat looks a bit worse for wear…
But he’s alive.
“Boo!” I yell, running toward him like we’re in a slow motion movie reunion. I fully expect him to start running toward me too, leaping into my arms and covering my face in kisses as I hug him tightly…
Instead, he glances dismissively at me for about two seconds, then wanders over to the chubby corgi and sniffs his butt in greeting.
I can hear my friends laughing hysterically in the waiting room behind me.