“Yeah, so about that. They want to have a call with you tonight.”
“Schedule it for eight p.m. Eastern. Text me a link. I’ll join from my phone.”
“You got it.” Gideon pauses. “You good, Banks? You sound off.”
“Never been better.” It’s not a lie.
He confirms what the expectation is tonight, and then the call ends. Dyson Carter Banks has a call with a trillion-dollar company later. I don’t want business mixing with pleasure, not yet, not until I’ve had a chance to explain myself to Wendy. But we can’t lose this account.
When I enter the lobby, Adam is already dressed and eating at the breakfast table. The shift in the room is obvious. He’s not smiling, not asking Birdie about her crossword puzzles or complimenting Rose’s cooking. Bitsy says something about the temperatures today, and he nods while typing on his phone. Gran glances at me as I pass through the dining room toward the trays of food.
“Good morning, ladies,” I say, purposely not speaking to Adam. He can fuck off. I pour myself a mug of hot coffee and lift it toward them.
“Morning, Carter,” they singsong.
“How was your run?” Gran asks.
“Can’t complain. The weather was nice this morning. I needed that after the night I had.” I grab a bacon and egg croissant and a napkin.
“Sleep well?” Birdie asks.
“Exceptionally well.” I grin, watching Adam’s jaw clench tight. “Anyway, have a great one.”
“Morning,” Wendy says, glancing at me.
She’s smiling, and I know she overheard it all.
“Morning,” I say, cocky as fuck.
I slow my pace, getting ready to speak to her when Adam’s chair scrapes backward against the floor. Seconds later, he’s moving outside with his coffee in his hand.
“Who pissed in his cereal this morning?” Wendy asks.
“You,” I whisper.
“Me?” She questions.
I shoot her a wink and glance at the Bees. None of them are paying attention, but that doesn’t mean anything. They’re professional eavesdroppers. They can listen while holding a full-blown conversation.
“Tell me later,” she whispers, and I give her a nod while walking away.
At lunch, it’s obvious to me that Adam is off his game. I’ve gotten under his skin. I try to put myself in his shoes. I’d be livid. Pissed at myself. Personally, I’d do anything I could to win Wendy back. I respect it, but also, she’s mine.
In the afternoon, I decide to sit on the couch and read the new thriller Mia dropped off for me today. It’s about an ex-husband who disappeared, then comes back and finds his wife with another man. I shake my head, but I’m intrigued.
When we’re temporarily alone, I turn to Wendy.
She glances around and moves close enough to where only I can hear her. “Tell me why he’s pissed.”
“He saw me leaving your room this morning.”
Wendy’s eyes widen, and then she smirks. “Not sure what to say about that.”
“The correct response is,can’t wait to do it again.” I’m tempted to capture her lips, but I don’t.
Mid-afternoon, I take another walk on the beach, keeping myself busy while Wendy works. When I return, Adam is on the porch, and I walk past him.
“Got a minute?” he asks, looking at me over his shoulder.
