“I think two of them are close to Annabeth’s age, but she rambled off so many names and ages that I lost count!” Connor told him.
Looking over at Milo, Axel asked, “How long are you here for this time?”
“I’m staying for the week. We’re at a good stage in construction that I can really start getting security systems wired and work with the electricians to implement a few things. Plus, it was a good time for me to get away from the office. I’m feeling a bit…I don’t know…uninspired and stifled.” Pausing for a moment, he let out a long breath. “Seattle’s been home for a while, but maybe it’s time for a change?”
“There’s nothing wrong with Seattle,” Slater told him. “You just need to leave the office once in a while and have a life. When’s the last time you went out and did anything fun?”
“Um…”
“Here are your drinks!” their server said as she put the tray down and began passing out glasses.
Laughing softly, Slater said, “Saved by the bell. Sort of.”
After that, there were multiple conversations going on at once, and Axel found himself relaxing more and more. Their meals came out, and as usual, his burger was spectacular. When they were finished, he contemplated dessert when he noticed Walker’s eyes lock on whoever had just walked into the pub. Curious, he turned his head and felt his heart kick hard in his chest.
Maisie.
“It looks like history is possibly about to repeat itself,” Walker murmured with a grin. “Ow!” He glared at Harlow. “What was that for?”
“For being a jerk!” Looking over at Axel, she asked, “Are you okay?”
And honestly, he wasn’t sure.
The pub was super crowded, and Maisie felt a little self-conscious about coming in and sitting alone. But after eating in her hotel room for most of her meals for the last three weeks, she felt like it was important for her to get out a bit.
Glancing around, there didn’t seem to be any open tables, and she contemplated sitting at the bar until she saw a familiar face coming her way.
“Hey, Maisie,” Walker Bradshaw said with an easy grin as he shook her hand. “It’s nice to finally meet you in person instead of on a Zoom call.”
“Oh, hey, Walker! It’s nice to meet you in person too!”
“Are you picking up an order or just coming in to eat?”
“Just coming in to eat. I’ve kind of been spending a lot of time working by myself and thought it would be a good idea to get out and eat someplace that wasn’t my room.”
“We all just finished eating, but we’re contemplating dessert. Why don’t you join us? You’ll get to meet the rest of the Lakeview Harbor Resort team!”
The rest of the team? Did that mean Axel was with them too?
Of course it did, dummy. They wouldn’t exclude him.
“I don’t want to intrude,” she said after a moment, hoping Walker would just let it go.
“Nonsense! Everyone would love to meet you,” he said. “Come on. Please? And let us treat you to dinner. We’re seriously thrilled with all the ideas you’ve come up with, and I know the guys would love to tell you that themselves.”
“Oh, um…”
He studied her for a moment, and she couldn’t even imagine what he was thinking. Until…
“Okay, full disclosure. Axel’s with us,” he said solemnly. “We’ve all talked to him, and he’s fine with seeing you. It would really mean a lot to me—to all of us—if you would join us. Please.”
Well, drats.
How could she possibly say no to that without looking like a total bitch?
“Um…sure,” she said quietly. “Thank you.” With a small smile, she followed him back to the table, and everyone stood up. Her eyes went a little wide because they were all such a good-looking group that it was a little intimidating.
But her eyes were immediately drawn to Axel. He gave her a curt nod before looking away, and she had to fight not to look too devastated.
