“Ain’t that the fucking truth,” Zade agreed.
“That’s why the world needs people like you,” Gracie said sincerely. She looked around at each of the men. “What you do is amazing, and I’m thrilled to know I’ll be playing a small part in it all.” She laughed at herself, then, added, “Even if it is mostly just setting up meetings with clients or answering the phone. The NSA literally has tens of thousands of employees. To them, I was just a number with hundreds of applicants waiting in line to take my place. I doubt anyone even noticed when I left.”
I’d notice.
Clearing both his throat and his thoughts, Nate offered her a warm smile. “Well, from what Kole has said, we’re lucky to have you.”
Gracie gave him a bubbly, “Thanks, Nate.” Her words were immediately followed by a large yawn. “And on that note, I think I’m going to call it a night.” She stood and began to fold her chair.
She’s leaving?
Nate’s heart pounded in his chest. He didn’t want her to leave. Not yet. Keeping his voice as casual as possible, he asked, “Already? It’s still early.”
“Yeah, I know.” She sounded regretful. “But I still have a few things to finish up around the apartment tomorrow, and I need to go grocery shopping. I know it’s only Saturday, but Monday always comes before we know it.” Looking around at the group once more, she said, “It was really nice to meet you all. I look forward to working with you.”
Goodbyes were said, and Sarah walked Gracie inside. Nate didn’t understand it, but he felt as though he were going to crawl out of his skin with the need to talk to her one more time before she left.
Standing swiftly, he announced to the guys, “I need to use the head.” He walked inside just as Sarah was stepping back out.
“Are you leaving, too?” she asked, sounding disappointed.
“Nah, not yet. Just need to use the bathroom.”
“Good.” Patting his arm, she squeezed by him and walked over to the group.
Nate practically ran through the kitchen and living room to the front door, relieved when he caught a glimpse of Gracie just starting to close it.
“Hey, Gracie! Wait up.” He reached for the door to keep it from shutting all the way.
She swung her head around. “Yeah?”
“Sorry. I know you want to go home, but I wanted to talk to you about something real quick before you leave.”
“Okay.”
“Kole told me the other day he and Sarah wanted to do their bachelor and bachelorette parties together.”
“Sarah told me the same thing. Between you and me, I don’t get it, but whatever.” She shrugged and rolled her eyes at the pair. “I mean, those two are practically joined at the hip anyway, so I guess it shouldn’t come as a big surprise.”
Nate laughed. “Right? So, listen. I was thinking, since you are the maid of honor and I’m the best man, the duty to plan said evening falls on us.” He wanted to give himself a high-five for coming up with such a great excuse to talk to her on the fly like that.
“Okay…” Gracie let the word drag out, clearly wondering where Nate was going with this whole thing.
“Well, I thought…if you wanted…we could get together soon so we can iron out all the details. Figured since they’re doing a joint thing, you and I should probably plan it all together, too.”
“Makes sense to me. When do you want to meet up?”
“You doing anything tomorrow night?”
She frowned. “Yeah, sorry,” she said sincerely. “I have a date with this really hot guy. He’s going to take me to dinner, then we’re going dancing. After that, who knows what the night will bring.”
Her voice sounded all low and sultry when she said that last part, making Nate want to hack into her phone and find out who the hell this guy was.
“Oh, uh…okay. We can do it another night, then.”
Gracie snickered. “I’m just kidding, Nate. A hot date? Please. I’ve barely been in town a week, and most of that time has been spent either unpacking, hanging out with Sarah and Kole, or at work.”
Ignoring the insurmountable relief he felt, Nate narrowed his eyes playfully. “Funny girl.”
