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The corner of his mouth tugged into the softest of smirks and she had to look away. It had been those micro expressions that had won her over years ago. Those tiny little promises of more below the surface.
But he’d wanted to keep his secrets and maybe she’d pushed too hard.
It didn’t matter now.
Anything he held below the surface was his. She had no rights to it, and she wasn’t going to turn herself inside out to reach it.
She busied herself with her phone again.
“I’ll return shortly,” he murmured, and she sensed him leave.
Good.
“I’ll make him work extra hard. I promise,” Johnny broke into her thoughts.
She smiled. “Please do that.”
“I’m going to ask again,” Johnny said.
“It’s fine,” she replied with a sigh. “It’s probably a good idea for me anyway.”
“How do you mean?”
She shrugged. “I don’t know. Usually if I embrace horrible things, I learn a valuable lesson somewhere.”
Johnny studied her for a beat, his lips tipped up on the side. “You’re a great person, Nikki. One of the best. I have always admired your ability to not only find the silver lining, but somehow dig diamonds out of it.” He chewed on his bottom lip. “But you don’t have to force yourself to do something that hurts you. Ever.”
Her nose tingled and she inhaled to keep from tearing up. “I promise I’ll let you know if I change my mind.”
Johnny left her alone then and she adjusted her chair until she was mostly comfortable.
Justin started carrying amps into her office and stacking them in various places. He sent out a text to Chase since she’d been struggling to text with her left hand.
After a bit André reappeared with Johnny and a huge bag of food.
Johnny started clearing a place for her to eat at her desk and she immediately felt like a burden.
She made a face.
“Knock it off,” Johnny chastised her, reading her expression. “It’s not that bad.”
“This whole office is horrible. I actually meant to clean most of it out this week.” She gestured to her sling. “I guess it’ll have to wait.”
“I can help you.” André propped his hands on his hips and gave the room a once-over. Then he looked to her for what? Permission?
Johnny coughed around a laugh. “Did you just growl?” he asked her.
Had she growled?
“Probably,” she replied, her eyes narrowed at André. “I don’t need your help.”
He was unfazed by her frosty tone. He shrugged. “I’m working here anyway.” He lifted his chin, indicating her sling. “I owe it to you.”
“I’m positive your insurance company will get me what I’m owed.” She blinked at him and smiled sweetly.
His gaze dropped to her mouth and bounced back to her eyes. A ghost of a smile graced his lips.
There was something there, in his eyes. Something complicated and confusing and she didn’t have time for it!
