I swiped to the message and frowned. “It’s an unknown number. Should I open it?”
“Maybe it’s one their private numbers. You only have the work group thread.” She sliced through another piece of chicken and began dicing it. “Can’t hurt to check. Just don’t click any links or anything.”
I already knew that, but I pressed my lips together to keep from saying anything. She was only repeating the same information she gave every day. Bottom lip between my teeth, I opened the message and read. “Lila.” My hands shook as I shoved the phone in front of her face. “Look.”
She squinted and leaned away, her lips moving around the words. “I know what you did. If you know what’s good for you, you won’t make the same mistake again.” She lowered the knife and read the message again.
“I knew it.” I took the phone away and typed out an answering text.
Who is this, and what is it that you think I’ve done?
I showed it to Lila, who nodded her agreement before I hit send. I wasn’t fool enough to play into anyone’s game. No way I’d collapse into guilt because of a random text that could be anything.
It could be pure coincidence that I received that message so soon after being with Julian, Alexander, and Dante.
Or, I’d been right all along and someone saw something they shouldn’t have and this whole thing was about to unravel.
16
JULIAN
Something was wrong with Harper. After last night in Alexander’s office, I’d gone home on cloud nine, certain that everything was finally working out.
But now Harper wouldn’t look at me.
I stopped at the door to my office and propped my shoulder on the frame. She stood next to the elevator, chatting with Bethany. I waited until she glanced my way and unbuttoned the cuff of a sleeve, keeping my gaze locked on her as I rolled the sleeve up once. Twice.
Harper’s smile flashed then fell. She turned away, giving me a view of her back.
What the hell was going on? A slow, angry boil churned in my stomach. I pushed off from the door and crossed the room, still rolling up my sleeves. She’d said she thought it was sexy, but she refused to turn my way even though the sound of my steps announced my arrival.
“I get what you’re saying. That last campaign looked incredible. I can’t believe it didn’t gain more traction.” Harper shook her head, sending her curls falling over her shoulders.
Bethany glanced over Harper’s head. Her mouth fell open in an O and she smiled. “Hello, sir. Sorry to block the elevator.” She took a step back.
“It’s no problem, Bethany. I actually had a question for Harper.” I pasted on a generic smile.
Harper turned her body toward me but averted her gaze so she stared at the knot in my tie. “What can I help you with, sir?”
Sir? What the actualfuckwas going on with her? The anger turned into a simmering boil. “I’d like to look at next quarters marketing reports as soon as possible.”
“Of course. I’ll have them sent up to you by the end of the day.” She wheeled around. “I’d better get back to my office.”
The urge to reach for her sent me forward a half step before I caught myself. My jaw locked as I turned away and stormed back to my office.
An hour later, I’d paced long enough to make my head whirl and hated the sight of my office. I rode the elevator down to the lobby and made my way to the coffee corner. I rarely visited the cramped space, opting to bring my own grounds and use the French press in my office. But I’d heard Harper mention she liked the hazelnut coffee down here and there was a chance I could bump into her during the lunch hour.
She stood next to the row of cups and carafes, pouring a rich brew into a paper cup. Her grip on the handle tightened, and she glanced my way.
Ah, so she felt my presence. Good. I couldn’t deny it boosted my ego to see her physical reaction. She finished pouring the coffee and set the carafe back with a clatter that rang out across the lobby. Her cheeks pinked, and she swept her hair over her shoulder with a huff.
“Harper.” I whispered her name once I stood close enough for her to hear me.
Her shoulders twitched. “I’m sorry, sir. I don’t have those reports yet. I’m headed back to my office to finish them for you right away.” She scurried away again, her heels beating out a sharp retreat on the polished marble.
This was ridiculous. I poured a cup of coffee from the same carafe and swept a quick look around the room. Several employees sat at the round tables that filled the space. A few looked my way but no one appeared any more interested in me than they were in the assortment of pastries in the glass case. If anyone noticed me talking to Harper, they gave no indication. I stirred a splash of cream in the coffee and made my way upstairs to Dante’s office.
He sat behind his heavy desk, his body bowed forward and his head propped in one hand. The defeated posture stopped me in my tracks.
