Stone conferred quietly with Forrest, looking at the printouts.
Quentin stood. Walked to the window. Back to me.
Finally, Stone turned. "Miss Russell, you passed. Congratulations."
Relief flooded through me so fast I felt dizzy.
"Thank you," I managed.
"You'll start Monday morning. Barbara will train you. Report at 8 a.m. sharp."
"I'll be there."
Stone left without another word. Forrest gathered his equipment, nodded politely, followed Stone out.
Leaving me alone with Quentin.
He turned from the window. Met my eyes.
"That was quite a performance," he said quietly.
My heart stopped.He knows.
"I don't know what you mean."
"The polygraph. You handled it well. Some people fall apart under that kind of pressure." He stepped closer. "But you stayed calm. Controlled. Professional."
"I didn't lie," I said. Only half a lie itself.
"No?" His gaze held mine. "What about that last question? About loyalty?"
"I meant it."
"Did you?"
"Yes." Truth. In that moment, complete truth.
He was close enough now that I could see the flecks of silver in his gray eyes. Close enough to smell his cologne—something expensive and understated.
"Stone thinks I'm making a mistake hiring you," he said.
"Are you?"
"I don't know yet." His voice was soft. Dangerous.
We stood there, tension crackling between us.
"I should go," I said finally.
"Julia."
The way he said my name made my knees weak.
"Yes?"
"The question Forrest asked. About being attracted to me."
Oh hell. Please don't make me say it again.
