I jerked my attention back to him, whispering, “This was not part of the plan.”
Golden humored eyes twinkled in the sunlight, but his lyrical voice was sensual. “And what was that plan again?”
I growled deep in my throat.
His lips curled into a smirk. He popped another strawberry into his mouth and chewed as he ran his gaze over my features. Then he stated with calm, “There is nothing wrong with sitting together out in the open for lunch. The four horsemen of the apocalypse are with me, and youarea recruit for the Corporate Army and a person of importance in your own right. I’m sure that news is already traveling the world of your decision to join my army, so any pictures seen wouldn’t be damning.”
My molars were getting a workout today as I ground them together for the millionth time. “Joining your army and being ‘friends’ are two different things.”
His eyes were cunning as they peered down at me. “Would you rather people think you work for me or are an acquaintance?”
I stalled.
“Exactly.” He uncrossed his legs and placed his feet flat on the ground, his knees crooked up in relaxation. He pulled his food between his strong legs, ate another strawberry, and glanced at my paused game. “That’s a good one.”
I sighed and took another bite of my sandwich as his friends started talking to one another—when they knew they weren’t leaving. “You’ve played it before?”
“Yes.” He flicked a finger at Wolfe. “He designed that specific game.”
My eyes widened on his fine-looking gray-haired friend. “Did you really make this one?”
Wolfe grinned, and his features altered from too handsome to sexy as fuck. “Yes. I’m the head of Cooper Corporation. Along with multiple technology programs, we create the puzzle games.”
I stared in fascination. “You’re Mr. Cooper?”
He bopped his shoulders with bored poise. “Yes, I’m Wolfe Cooper.”
Oh, my.
I’d secretly been a fan of his for a long time.
Corporate or not, the man was a genius.
I’d read that he designed games in his free time.
That was apparently the truth.
Alaric chuckled, his eyes roaming my face. “Careful there, God. I think she has a crush on Wolfe, not you.”
My cheeks instantly flushed. “It’s not like that.”
Godric asked smoothly, “What is it like?”
I blinked, still in awe. “He’s a brilliant man.”
Wolfe rolled his eyes. He tucked his gray hair behind his ears and tipped his head back to let the sun bask on his skin. “I merely enjoy what I do.”
“And it shows,” I said kindly. “Your games got me through… Well, they helped me when times were rough. Thank you for creating them for everyone to escape in.”
He peeked at me from the corner of his eye. “You’re welcome.” Then he closed his eyes and let the sun shine on his face.
He wasn’t a man of many words.
Godric grunted, jealous heat in his narrowed gaze. The muscles in his jaw clenched. He hissed in absolute possession, “She’s mine, Wolfe.”
CHAPTERTWENTY-ONE
My mouth bobbed in surprise.
