The moment the elevator doors close, Joshua breaks the silence.
“Dude,” he says, not even trying to hide his grin.“That’s rough.”
“I didn’t order it,” I repeat through gritted teeth, shoving the package into my desk drawer.
“Of course you didn’t,” Eve says, sarcastically, not looking up from her screen.“That would be embarrassing.”
Twenty minutes later, another delivery arrives.
“Caleb Reynolds?”This guy is even louder than the first.“Got your DHT Blocking Supplements here!And a complimentary issue of Hair Transplant Quarterly!”
I want to disappear through the floor.Every head in the office swivels toward me again, and this time Flora actually giggles.
“This is a mistake,” I say weakly, accepting the magazine like it’s contaminated.
“No mistake here!”the delivery guy chirps.“Says you’re a premium subscriber!Enjoy learning about the latest in follicle restoration technology!”
Eve finally looks up from her computer, her expression the picture of innocent concern.“Wow, Caleb.Hair Transplant Quarterly?That’s...comprehensive.I admire your commitment to research.”
“I didn’t subscribe to this!”
“Right,” she says with a patronizing nod.“I’m sure it just...appeared.Like magic.Along with all those helpful newsletters and products.”She gestures vaguely at my desk.“The hair loss fairy must really have it out for you.”
That’s when it hits me.The timing.The convenience.The way Eve keeps making comments with barely concealed amusement.
I look over at her, and she’s watching me with those dark eyes sparkling with mischief.“Having a rough day?”Eve asks sweetly, her voice dripping with fake sympathy.
That’s it.That’s fucking it.
I slam the magazine down on my desk, sending another cascade of blonde hair flying—hair that I’m now one hundred percent certain isn’t mine—and march over to her desk.
“We need to talk,” I growl.“Now.”
She blinks innocently, but there’s something calculating in her expression.“About what?”
“Roof.Now.”
“I’m busy?—”
I lean down, bracing my hands on either side of her chair, caging her in.
“Princess,” I say quietly, my voice low enough that only she can hear, “either you come with me willingly, or I throw you over my shoulder again.And this time, I won’t stop at one spanking.”
Her cheeks flush, but her eyes flash with defiance.“You wouldn’t dare.”
“Try me.”
We stare at each other for a long moment, the space between us filled with tension.Finally, she saves her work and stands up, smoothing down her fitted pants.
“Fine,” she says icily, “but this better be quick.”
I follow her to the stairwell, pieces clicking into place with every step.The hair that only appears at work.The perfectly timed newsletter subscriptions.The public deliveries designed for maximum embarrassment.I would have figured it out earlier if I hadn’t been so distracted with the surveillance camera situation Ethan’s had me wrapped up in.
The roof is empty and cold, the February wind whipping around us as we step outside.Eve hugs her arms around herself, and I have to fight the urge to offer her my jacket.Again.
“Alright,” she says, turning to face me with her chin tilted up defiantly.“What’s so important that you had to drag me up here to freeze to death?”
“Cut the innocent act, Lopez.”I step closer, and she doesn’t back down.“I know it was you.”
