When she walked away, Clover broke. “Holy crap. She wants you bad. You’re killing her by not looking directly at her.”
A line appeared between Saint’s eyebrows. “Who?”
A laugh burst from Clover. “The waitress. She’s fluffed her cleavage and everything.”
Saint briefly glanced the woman’s way. “Oh. She’s not my type.”
Clover was more than intrigued. “What is your type?”
Saint’s gaze locked on him with an intensity Clover had never experienced. “You are.”
Goddamn. Lust had never hit Clover as hard. He also would have never guessed that about Saint in a million years.
Some of his intensity vanished. “Please don’t quit. I swear this isn’t sexual harassment or anything. It’s just you asked and—”
God, he was sweet. Clover had to stop his uncomfortable rambling. “I didn’t take it personally. I put you on the spot. You answered the only way you could under the circumstances. I understand.”
A sweet smile touched Saint’s lips. “You really are incredible, you know? This is definitely the best hire I’ve ever made.”
Clover felt his cheeks heat.
Saint’s phone rang, saving Clover from having to come up with a response. He groaned when he saw the number. “This better not be them telling me they can’t make it today. I can’t have you freezing all day.” He snatched up his phone and answered. “This is Saint.” A smile touched his lips, making Clover fight back a sigh. “We’ll head that way now. Thank you.” Saint disconnected the call. He grabbed the bill and dropped some money on the table for a tip.
Clover was right on his heels as Saint headed to the counter to pay. Saint suddenly stopped. He pulled Clover next to him and set his hand on the small of Clover’s back, steering him through the crowd. He genuinely made Clover feel so protected. Like conjuring up the devil, a couple shifted and Clover stared into Jacobe’s cold eyes that were locked on him. Without thinking, Clover immediately stepped closer to Saint.
Saint glanced his way. “What’s wrong?” He followed Clover’s gaze. “Oh. There’s a ballsy bastard. Jacobe?”
Clover nodded.
Saint squeezed him to his side while he paid. “Stay glued to me. I’d never let anything happen to you.”
Clover nodded again. He couldn’t get his throat to work. Clover could barely breathe. When would this end? Likely when he was dead.
Fucking enraged didn’t cover the way Saint felt. He took Clover on a bit of a tour around the square. They didn’t return to work until Saint was certain they weren’t followed. Of course, it was entirely possible Jacobe was tracking Clover somehow. Saint would figure it out. Luckily, they got back to the office at the same time as the heat and air guy pulled into a parking spot. They could still see their breath when they came through the door.
Saint motioned toward his office. “Grab your heater and wait for me in there, kitten. Close the door behind you so we can trap as much heat as possible.”
Clover nodded, looking defeated.
Saint hated that. “You’re not in trouble. I just don’t want to risk that guy walking by, peering into every glass surface and spotting you. Plus, we need to make a plan.”
Clover nodded again. “Okay.” He moved to his desk, gathered the heater, and rushed inside Saint’s office. Saint pulled the door closed behind him while Clover searched for a free outlet.
The moment the door snapped shut, a repairman with “Rick” stitched on the right side of his chest stepped inside. Rick was all smiles.
“Mr. Knack?”
Saint dipped his chin. “That’s me. You can call me Saint. Let me show you to that system.”
Together, they headed to the back of the building. This was one of the biggest reasons he wanted Clover shut away in his office. He wouldn’t risk Jacobe sailing into the building if he spotted Clover alone.
After pointing Rick to his job, Saint moved back to his office. As he grabbed the doorknob, his eyes quickly scanned the room, looking for anything suspicious. When he was certain they were alone, he stepped into the room and quickly closed the door behind him before they lost any heat. He found Clover cross-legged, knee bobbing, and biting the side of his thumbnail. This shit had to stop.
“We should have heat again in no time.” Saint tried to keep his voice bright. He didn’t like Clover being scared.
Clover flashed him a smile. “Great. Thank you for lunch, by the way.” It was obvious he tried hiding his fear.
Saint sat behind his desk. “Did you drive here or take public transportation?”
