Page 112 of Sight of Fate

I glance around the garage. “Did you get a new vehicle?”

He shrugs. “The Range Rover wasn’t going to work. I traded it for this. Are you going to get in?”

Because it reminded me of Hank. Hiding my smile, I slip into the new interior and run my hands over the luxury leather. He gets in and puts the car in gear.

“This is gorgeous.”

His tension eases, and he dips his chin. “It will do.”

Thankfully, the elevator at work is full of other people. We part ways the minute the doors open. Then it’s another full day of fielding people asking for Teague, answering emails, and attending meetings.

The launch is progressing really well. We should be ready to go live with it next week, which will be a relief to Sam, who’s counting down the days until Covey returns.

Aaron, the marketing manager working on the launch, stops me in the hall. “Hey. I know you’re new and this is a lot, but you’re doing a great job. Keep up the good work.”

I smile up at him. “Thanks, that means a lot.”

“I don’t know if anyone’s told you, but several of us usually go out for happy hour on Thursdays. You should come with us. Why don’t you give me your number, and I’ll text you tomorrow with the location,” he says, waving his phone.

“That sounds fun, but I’ll have to let you know,” I tell him, reeling off my number. I doubt Andros goes to happy hour, but maybe Teague will want to go. Not tomorrow, but maybe another week. It would be fun to do something with the people at work.

My phone pings.

Aaron: It’s me ;-)

I don’t know what to say, so I smile. “I’ll send out the meeting notes by end of day.” Turning around, I walk back to the office I share with Teague, wondering if they’d found Kian. I tug on the connection, knowing he’ll feel it, even if we can’t hear each other. There’s an answering warmth that makes me feel marginally better.

The door shuts with a click, and I whirl around. Andros stands there, his eyes glittering with anger.

“What’s wrong? Did something happen to Macklin?”

He clicks the lock on the door. “Care to explain why you gave Aaron your number?”

That was fast. “How did you know?”

“I heard him tell several people.” His voice is soft but tight, and I swallow hard. “He’s under the impression you’re going to happy hour tomorrow.” He raises one of those arrogant brows of his.

“I didn’t say yes,” I protest. “I wanted to talk to Teague about it.”

“It doesn’t matter what Teague says. You’re not going,” he states coolly, stalking toward me. “Tomorrow or any other time. And next time someone asks you out, you say no. Very clearly. Do not soften it with a smile. Understood?”

Instead, I narrow my eyes and lift my chin. “It’s an after-work group thing, and if I want to go, I will.” I pause. “I think it’s nice he invited me.”

“This isn’t up for discussion.” He glances at his fancy watch. “Damn it. I’m late for a meeting.”

“Too bad you don’t control me.” I smirk, crossing my arms over my chest.

“You—” His phone rings, and he answers. “I’m on my way.” He taps mute. “We’ll talk about this later.”

“Or not at all,” I mutter, irritated at him.

He’s fairly vibrating with anger as he unlocks the door and storms out.

Macklin swings by at four, and I head out with him to meet Raine.

Running my hands down my thighs, I nervously smooth my dark grey wool pants, wondering if she’s going to like me. “Have you heard anything from Teague?”

Macklin gives me a sideways glance. “Good news and bad news. They didn’t find Kian because he escaped two days earlier. But they did find a very pissed-off bear shifter from Cold Springs Vale who’d been captured a couple days ago. They questioned him, then put him on a plane home.”