“No kidding,” I murmur. Opening the file, I start flipping through the pages. I haven’t had a chance to see Bebe since my return. Actually, I hadn’t known her all that well before I left for Syria. Hell, I hadn’t known any of these people well, but I do know Bebe is essential to this company’s operations because she’s a certified tech genius. Apparently, while I was being held prisoner, Kynan had a state-of-the-art research and development lab built on one of the subterranean levels. Cage had told me it was pretty high tech. People aren’t allowed down there without an escort, and only two people have keys—Bebe and Dozer.

  “It’s probably easiest,” Anna says as she pats the side of her desk, “if you move your chair over here so we can look at the file together. We can figure what’s the most important to put in the database, then I’ll type it in.”

  “Let’s do it,” I reply, pushing up from my chair to drag it over beside her.

  As I round the desk, I take a moment to notice how pretty Anna looks today. For a sliver of time, I allow myself to appreciate the navy dress she paired with the same brown boots she wears almost every day. She has a scarf tied around her neck with her hair in a high ponytail. One thing I’ve noticed is Anna doesn’t wear much makeup… maybe just a little mascara. I like the way she has a light dusting of freckles across her nose.

  The moment fades when Anna glances up. Immediately, I feel contrition for checking out my dead teammate’s wife.

  Christ.

  “Pop a squat,” she teases as she nods at my chair. Thank God she’s fucking oblivious.

  I leave the chair where it’s at, which is a safe distance of at least two feet from hers, and toss the file on her desk. She pushes the binder away, pulls the folder closer, and opens it to study the first page.

  Leaning forward in my chair, I try to read over her shoulder, but I can’t really see shit. She notices, gives me an eye roll, and says, “You can scoot your chair closer. I don’t bite.”

  I know I’m being ridiculous. I move the chair beside hers until I can clearly see the documents. She reads aloud and points out a few things, but all I notice is her perfume smells really good.

  Light and fresh.

  Anna grabs some sticky notes. “I’m going to flag all the people we need to enter.”

  Before I can respond, someone’s knocking, and we both pop our heads up to see Cage. He walks in, winks at Anna, and sticks his hand out across the desk to me. “What’s up, Mr. Admin Man? Heard you’re riding desk for a bit.”

  “Just watching over Anna to make sure she does her job right,” I lob back. Cage laughs, and Anna lightly jabs me in the ribs.

  I double over, exaggeratingly rubbing at my side.

  “So what are you guys actually doing?” Cage asks as he plops in the other chair across the desk from us.

  “Putting all past cases into Dozer’s new database,” I reply.

  “That dude is crazy smart,” Cage says with an incredulous expression. “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 up with better solutions.”

  Impressive indeed. Anna nods, continuing to go through the file. Snatching a stapled memo, I start flipping through it.

  “So listen,” Cage drawls. Once again, we glance up from our work. He’s looking directly at Anna. “Um… Jaime’s starting to think it’s weird she hasn’t met any of my friends or coworkers yet.”

  “Uh-huh,” Anna replies, her head dipping back down to the contents of the folder.

  “And well, I’m taking her out to dinner tonight, but I thought maybe drinks would be nice first, you know?”

  “Uh-huh.” I’m not even sure Anna’s paying attention to him. I have no clue who Jaime is or if I should even be a part of this conversation. It does tell me one thing, though… Anna and Cage are good friends since he’s coming to her with girl troubles.

  Or maybe boy troubles. I suppose Jaime could be a guy.

  “So you’ll come with me to meet her for drinks then,” he asks, but it’s not really a question. More of a statement, which is confirmed when he says, “That’s great. Thanks so much.”

  Cage stands from his chair just as Anna realizes something important just happened. Her head snaps up. “Wait! What?”

  “You’ll come meet Jaime and me for drinks, so she thinks I’m legit,” he says, still heading for the door.

  “Wait a minute,” Anna commands. Cage stops, turning around with a sheepish smile. “Thinks your legit? Have you not told her the truth yet?”

  Now I’m confused as I lobby my gaze between Cage and Anna.

  Cage ducks his head as he shakes it. “Hasn’t been the right time.”

  “Now would be the right time,” Anna says with a fair amount of snark.

  “I can’t,” Cage replies… well, actually almost whines. “But I figure if she passes muster with you, I’ll know she could potentially be the one, 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?”

  “A used-car salesman,” he admits in a low tone.

  “Yeah… not doing that,” she says adamantly.

  I can’t help but snicker as I think I’m figuring out the story now.

  “You don’t have to pretend to be anything,” Cage maintains, holding his hands up. “Be yourself. You’ll just be coming as a good friend of mine.”

  “Ask August,” Anna says with a sniff, glaring down at the folder. “I know you were good friends back in Vegas.”

  There’s a long silence before Cage finally admits. “No one knows about Jaime except you, Anna. I only told you because I needed a woman’s opinion, and I trust you.”

  Cage actually cuts his eyes to me, and he adds, “Guess I’m trusting you with this now, too.”

  I cock an eyebrow, tapping my finger against my chin. “You mean you’re dating someone who thinks you’re a used-car salesman? Why the big secret?”

  “Because Cage doesn’t do relationships,” Anna mutters sarcastically. “Thinks it will ruin his rep or something.”

  “That’s not it,” Cage growls. “This is new for me, Anna. I don’t want to fuck it up, and I want you to meet her. Please come.”

  Anna finally raises her head, blowing out a long breath. “Fine. But I don’t want to be a third wheel. Malik can come, too.”

  “Whoa,” I reply, shaking my head. “I don’t think—”

  “You’re coming,” Anna says firmly, giving me a scowl that frankly scares me.

  And… okay, fine. Looks like I’m going out for drinks with Anna and Cage tonight.

  CHAPTER 8

  Anna

  I spot Cage and Jaime across the crowded bar area where we’d agreed to meet for drinks. They are seated at a small table in the corner. Malik and I move that way, winding our way in and out amongst the other happy-hour drinkers, neither of us in a rush to perpetuate this bit of fraud Cage has going on.

  It’s odd walking into an establishment with a man—even though we’re only friends. I can’t say it’s unpleasant, but why would it be? Malik is tall and gorgeous, causing many a female head to turn his way. His hand goes to the middle of my back to help guide me through the crowd, putting his body slightly just ahead of mine to part the way so I don’t get jostled. I’d forgotten how good it feels to have a man—or anyone really—protect me. It’s the downside to being alone.

  “Let me get this straight,” Malik mutters, leaning his head closer to me. “Cage basically only does hook-ups, nothing serious. And he always gives a false profession for whatever asinine reason.”

  I nod. “Correct. And the reason being—from what I understand—is that if women knew he was a bad-ass Special Forces security expert, they’d be more stalkerish or something, but I really think he just likes keeping it impersonal.”

  “Dumbest thing I’ve ever heard, but whatever. So, this woman is more than a hookup and she still doesn’t know what he does for a living?”

  “That’s the way I understand it,” I mutter.

  “And he’s too scared to tell her the truth because he’s afraid the lie will do them in?”

  Not afraid to just lay it out there. “The guy is a certified moron for sure. However, I think it’s adorable he truly likes this woman, and he isn’t quite sure how to rectify the situation. It’s kind of fun to watch him stumble around while trying to figure it out.”

  “Seems stressful to me,” Malik murmurs, but I don’t have time to respond as we reach the table.

  Cage makes the introductions between us and Jaime, who is beyond gorgeous with vivid red hair cascading down her shoulders, pale blue eyes, and delicate facial bones. She’s willowy and graceful as she stands to shake our hands.

  Malik and I are merely introduced as friends of Cage’s as we take the two chairs opposite.

  Cage had already ordered a pitcher of beer. Once glasses are poured and passed out, the conversation is remarkably light and fluid. It’s nice to come out to enjoy a few beers without having to worry about breastfeeding Avery tonight. I pumped enough milk to keep her happy, and my mom is going to keep her overnight.

  I spend this little bit of precious time with Cage’s new woman, peppering questions her way so I can learn more about her. More importantly, I try to keep her from asking too many questions of her own that would put me in a position to have to lie. While I don’t mind helping Cage out tonight, if this ends up being something that could go the distance, I don’t want her hating me for my part in the deception.

  It only took to the bottom of my first beer to determine I like Jaime a lot. I can tell Cage really does, too. She’s not only beautiful, but she’s smart, charming, humble, and genuine. Definitely about a hundred steps up from the bimbos he normally hooks up with.

  My next opportunity to have a private conversation with Cage, I’m going to demand he get his head out of his ass and tell her the truth. This is especially important because I can tell Jaime likes Cage a great deal right back. Who knows, this could be true love in the making.

  Jaime takes a sip of her beer, smiling over the edge. When she sets it back down, she levels a finger, moving it back and forth between Malik and me. “So how long have you two been dating?”

  I jerk, whipping my head to the left to look at Malik, then back to Jaime. “Oh… we’re not dating.”

  Jaime’s gaze moves to Malik, who shakes his head. “Nope. Not dating.”

  “Really?” Jaime asks, completely amazed. “I could have sworn you were because when you talk, he’s totally absorbed in what you’re saying and vice versa. It’s a shame. You two would make a beautiful couple.”

  “Nope, not dating at all,” I confirm quickly and perhaps a bit too shrilly. “Just friends.”

  Laughing, Jaime nudges Cage in the ribs, giving him a knowing look before turning her attention to me. “Oh, someone doth protest just a little too much.”

  And, in that moment, I don’t like her anymore because she’s shining a spotlight down on me. She’s calling out every inappropriate feeling I’ve had about Malik over the last week since he’s been back.

  I mean, nothing awfully inappropriate, but I definitely feel close to him. There’s a bond because of shared losses. And he’s a gorgeous man, which I’ve noticed a time or two, and I absolutely have no right to be doing that.

  At that moment, Cage gallantly intervenes, perhaps reading the unease in my posture. His arm goes around Jaime, and he pulls her into him, “No, seriously, babe… they’re really just friends.”

  Not sure if she just has the personality of a dog with a bone that won’t give something up, or she’s an eternally optimistic romantic, but she glances between Malik and me with a soft smile. “Oh, but why not? You two are clearly great friends, and you do look beautiful together—”

  I’m not sure what my expression says—or Malik’s for that matter since I don’t dare look at him, but Jaime abruptly cuts off her words, contrition and worry crossing her face. “Oh God… I’m sorry. I totally overstepped my bounds. Said something awfully rude, didn’t I? I didn’t mean to hurt anyone’s feelings. I’m just such a romantic. Sometimes, I see things that aren’t there, I think.”

  I glance over at Cage, who shrugs, then get the guts up to peek at Malik, who stares back with a sorrowful smile before his attention goes to Cage.

  “Shit,” Jaime exclaims, ducking her head in apology. “I said something really bad, didn’t I? Totally stuck my foot in my mouth. I’m not sure why, but I know I did.”

  I shoot her a reassuring look meant to tell her to stop beating herself up. Opening my mouth, I start to gently tell her the truth about my husband having just died when Malik stuns the shit out of me.

  “I’m gay,” he blurts out.

  Once again, I jerk, whipping his way.

  Cage makes a choking sound, but Jaime doesn’t hear it. She merely grins sheepishly at Malik. “Well, totally missed that. My bad.”

  “It’s all good,” Malik reassures her. When he cuts his gaze at me, I try to convey my gratitude with just my eyes.

  “And look at the time,” Cage announces, glancing down at his watch. “We have to get going if we’re going to make our reservations.”

  I happen to know Cage’s dinner reservations aren’t for another forty-five minutes. Plus, the restaurant he’s taking her to isn’t but a few blocks from here. He’s just cutting this a bit short before the conversation can turn any more personal, either creating more lies or forcing me to have to talk about Jimmy’s death.

  Malik and I rise when Cage and Jaime do. We shake hands, making promises to get together for drinks again. When they leave, Malik motions back to the table. “Want to finish our beers?”

  “Sure,” I reply, taking my seat again.

  Malik goes to the other side. I don’t believe it’s because he doesn’t want to sit beside me. It’s just easier to talk while sitting opposite each other. He rearranges the glasses, pushing Cage and Jaime’s to the side, then tops our beers off from the pitcher.

  Holding his glass up, he says, “Cheers.”

  I tap mine against his. “Cheers.”

  “So… that was slightly awkward,” Malik observes after he places his glass back on the table.

  I laugh, my nerves finally having settled, knowing I don’t have to watch what I say anymore or explain I’m a widow to Jaime. “Totally. But you didn’t have to go the whole “I’m gay” route.”

  Malik chuckles. “It was fun to see her face when I said it, though.”

  I can’t help but laugh.

  “Besides,” he continues. “I didn’t want you to have to bring up Jimmy when you’re not ready.”

  His words strike something deep within me—that I’m not ready—and I wonder if that’s true or not. I mean, I haven’t looked at another man since Jimmy died. Been a little bit busy being a single mom while working a new job.

  But I don’t necessarily feel lonely from a romantic perspective. Or is it because I’m still grieving that I haven’t had time for any other emotions to work their way in?

  Regardless, I can’t help but be truthful. “I have no clue if I’m ready or not. Had never even thought about it until you just said that.”

  “Sorry,” he murmurs apologetically.

  “No, don’t be sorry,” I rush to reassure him with a quick shake of my head. “Actually… it’s part of my push forward, right? I mean, I suppose there will come a time where I’d consider dating. Is there like an appropriate amount of time you’re supposed to wait?”

  Malik smiles, seeming amused. “I’m pretty sure there’s no handbook on this. Also, pretty sure Corinne would tell you to trust your gut.”

  “Yeah, she’s pretty good at pushing things off on gut instinct, isn’t she?”

  Malik leans back in his seat, fingertips tapping the side of his glass as he considers it. “I think she reminds you to trust your gut if she thinks you’re a strong enough individual to have a reasonable compass when it comes to scenarios like that.”

  “Good point,” I say, picking up my glass. I take a tiny sip. “But going back to Jaime, I have to say…despite her matchmaking enthusiasm, I really liked her.”

  Malik nods sagely. “You can tell Cage really likes her, too.”

  “He needs to tell her the truth.”

  “Immediately,” he adds.

  I take another sip of my beer. “What about you? Are you dating anyone? Or are you sort of a hook-up kind of guy like Cage?”

  After pondering his beer for a moment, Malik finally shrugs. “I’m not any one thing. I mean… I’ve dated. Had some serious relationships—mainly in high school—but, honestly, my time in the Marines sort of put a cramp in my dating life. I expect this job will be much of the same. Maybe that’s why Cage is the way he is… because of the job.”

  “Cage is actually relationship averse,” I point out. “As in… he says monogamy is for schmucks, but I actually think he just doesn’t trust easily. I think he’s afraid of being hurt, so he holds himself back.”

  “No rewards without risks, right?” Malik suggests. “Maybe you should remind him of that.”

  “For sure,” I reply.

  We chitchat about work, mostly me filling Malik in on the company. He was so new when he joined us last June and he immediately headed out on that op to Syria, so he just hasn’t had a chance to get to know everyone.

  He asks about Avery, which leads to questions about my family.

  Which, in turn, makes me ask, “What are your plans for the holiday weekend? Going home?”

  Malik shakes his head. “Nah… we never really celebrated Thanksgiving… being Canadian and all.”

  “But aren’t you a dual citizen?” I ask.

  “So it’s been pointed out,” he replies with a smirk. “But growing up in Montreal, we just never celebrated it. It wasn’t a holiday for us.”

  “Still, Jameson is going to be closed down.” I pick up my glass, knocking back the last swallow. “Be a great time to get in a trip home for a visit.”

  Malik once again shakes his head, appearing a bit contemplative. “I need my family to know I’m okay. The best way to do that is to not go home. Thought I’d just hang out here, eat all the calories my body can handle, and maybe catch up on some reading.”

 

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