“We do,” Mark says. “You’re just blind.”
“I am not blind,” I snap. “I’m realistic. She calls me out every chance she gets.”
Alex leans forward. “She challenges you. That’s different.”
“Not in my experience.”
Mark sighs like he’s explaining something painfully obvious. “When’s the last time a woman challenged you and wasn’t hot for you?”
I open my mouth—then stop.
“Well?” Alex presses.
“She… puts extra emphasis in her walk when she leaves,” I admit reluctantly.
Mark’s grin widens. “Does she look back?”
I hesitate.
“Yes,” I mutter.
“And does she say ‘Sir’ like it’s both an insult and a promise?” Mark adds.
Silence.
Both of them stare at me.
Alex whistles low. “Oh, man.”
“This whole time?” Mark asks.
“Not the whole time,” I say defensively. “Just recently.”
Alex leans back, shaking his head. “Jamie knows.”
“Of course she does,” Mark says. “Girl code. HR secrets.”
Jamie.
Fantastic.
A strange knot tightens in my chest, unfamiliar and unwelcome.
“So what now?” I ask, more to myself than them.
Mark grins. “Now you’re screwed.”
“No.”
“Absolutely,” Alex says. “She’s the kind that doesn’t fall easy—and doesn’t forgive fast.”
“I’m not interested in anything serious.”
Mark raises a brow. “No one said serious. Just… complicated.”
“Let’s call the wedding planner,” Mark jokes.
“Hell no,” I snap. “I don’t do marriage.”
