Chapter 8
Half an hour later, Addison still seethed as they rode up the elevator in silence, unsure why Devon’s suggestion bothered her so much. Other than the inherent misogyny associated with his comment. It wasn’t as if it was the first time someone attempted to sideline her because she had enlarged mammary glands and a vagina, but it was the first time it truly angered her. The first time she took it personally and not as rote sexism.
Maybe because, for a moment after he’d apologized for his morning blunder, she’d felt a connection. He’d done his best to apologize for his actions and he’d meant it. More than that, she’d thought there was another reason for his outburst other than feeling responsible for her. She…liked him. Yes, he was attractive, but there was more to it than looks.
That edge that all special forces guys seemed to have was tempered by a softness she caught hints of every now and then. It didn’t blunt the edge—it honed it. Made it less jagged. Possibly more lethal.
Then he’d told her she should sit this one out. While she had a gun in her hand.
Stupid man.
The elevator stopped with a ding, and she stepped through before the doors opened fully, almost plowing into Angie.
“Oh, hey! I was on my way to find you guys for lunch. We’re ordering sushi.” She rolled her eyes. “And burgers. The guys are getting burgers, Paige and I are getting sushi.”
“I’ll take sushi,” Addison said.
“Sweet! Any preferences? We have some standard rolls we always order.”
“Spicy or crunchy salmon. Or crunchy spicy salmon, if they have something like that.”
“On it.” She pivoted, then turned back. “You guys good? You’re both…tense.”
“We’re fine,” Addison said.
“We’re good, Ange,” Devon said at the same time.
She could feel the heat of his body at her back and resisted the urge to move. Mostly because she wasn’t sure which direction she’d go—toward him or away from him. If she remained still, she might not have to make the decision herself.
Angie’s gaze flitted between them. “O…kay. I almost forgot. Addison, Paige said to send you to her office if I found you.”
“Sure. Where’s her office?”
“On the far side of Graham’s. I can show you.” She indicated over her shoulder.
“That’s okay—I can find it.”
Angie nodded. “I’m going to order food. We’re meeting in the conference room for a working lunch.”
“You didn’t ask me what I wanted,” Devon said.
“Grilled chicken, whole wheat bun, spicy mayo with sweet potato fries.” Angie headed down the hall. “You’re predictable, Devon.”
“I’m not that predictable,” he grumbled. “I just know what I like.”
It felt as if he’d said the last part in her ear so only she could hear it, and the vibrations from his voice raced across her skin, raising the hairs on her arms and puckering her nipples.
Away. Need to go in the opposite direction.“I’m going to Paige’s office.” She felt his eyes on her the entire way down the hall.
Easily finding the office, she knocked on the doorjamb and waited for Paige to finish her phone call.
She waved Addison in. “That’s perfect. Can you have everything sent to Angie? … Yes, Graham’s coming. … I suppose he’s still as hot as ever, but I’m not really the person to make that judgment. … Because that’s like asking me if my brother is hot. I’m just going to tell you ew.” She glanced at Addison with a questioning look.
Addison gave her a thumbs-up and nodded her head.
“Addison Foster says yes, Graham is still as hot as ever. … Yes, she’s coming as well. … We’ll discuss it this afternoon. … Okay, see you in a few days.” She hung up the receiver and swung around to pull a sheaf of papers off the printer behind her.
“What are we discussing this afternoon?” Addison asked.
