Erin looked at the hibiscus and shuddered.“What is it with you people?There’s nothing wrong with the concrete jungle.”
“Unless you want to breathe,” Cade countered.
“Fine,” she protested.She turned back to face Sofia with a smile.“Sorry.I didn’t mean to ignore you, but I never know when I’m going to get a minute with my big brother.”
“I totally understand.”More than she could know.Sofia distributed folders in front of each chair.“Is it okay to move this plant?”she asked, knowing she’d never be able to see everyone comfortably with it sitting in the middle of the table.
“Is Aunt Kathryn coming?”Erin asked Cade.
“Not to my knowledge.”
“In that case, yes, we can move this monster,” she said.“Be grateful she hasn’t gotten around to bringing in a goldfish bowl.”
“Really?”Cade asked.
“They promote a tranquil environment.”Erin shrugged.“Supposedly.”
“Can’t blame her for trying,” Cade said.
Erin scooped up the peace lily that was on the table and moved it to the windowsill and jammed it in with the others.“Can I get you something to drink?”
“Coffee,” Cade replied.
“I didn’t ask you.”
“Want a noogie, pest?”
Sofia lowered her head to hide her grin at their easy banter.She appreciated seeing the softer side of him.From what she knew of Cade, he was overly serious, weighed down by life and a past he refused to talk about.Almost all of their interactions had been intense, and she’d only seen a few genuine smiles and even fewer laughs—and those had been because of Loopy.
“Sofia?”Erin asked.
She shook her head.“I’m good.”
Cade brewed his own coffee.“Don’t suppose Thompson’s around?”
“He should be.He’s hardly left the office since Connor has been on his honeymoon.”Erin shrugged.“Text him.”
“Thompson?”Sofia asked.
“He’s Connor’s admin.The place couldn’t run without him.He’s Donovan Worldwide’s secret weapon, but his coffee is the worst on the planet.Theworst.I heard it was once confused with ninety-weight gear oil.I think the stuff’s in his veins.It’s why he’s able to stay at his desk something like twenty hours a day.”
“He was in the military,” Cade offered, as if that explained everything.
“Special super-secret something,” Erin added.
Despite Erin’s dire words, Cade sent a text message.
“He’d bring you a coffee, really?”Sofia asked.
“Oh, yes,” Erin replied.“It’s one of his greatest delights.He admires anyone who can put it in their gullet.Mark of masculinity or something.”
“It’s really pretty good.”
“You and Lara are the only two who can actually drink it.”
The three were seated at the table when William Donovan entered the room, leaning lightly on a cane.
Cade stood, and so did Sofia.
