“I’m fucking getting married,” he sings, throwing his arms out wide. “And you’re coming.”
Laughing at his enthusiasm and really happy for him, I go in for a hug. “Congratulations, big man. Of course, I’ll come. I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
He hugs me tightly, bouncing us both up and down. My giggles are rolling. I’m thoroughly enjoying Colton’s excitement when I spot Declan over his shoulder. He’s leaning against the wall across from my office, wearing his standard jeans and a t-shirt. His favorite hoodie, because of course I’ve watched him so much I know which one is his favorite, is unzipped, showing his chest, outlined by this tight t-shirt. He’s so much bigger than he used to be.
But that’s not what makes my traitorous heart pitter-patter. It’s the wide, happy smile on his face that does it. Not once, in more than three years of working here, has he looked at me like that. With pure joy.
I pull away from Colt, smoothing my hair. Colt’s eyebrows furrow when he looks at me, but he smirks when he sees Declan in the hallway.
“Dec, fancy meeting you here. Outside Cara’s office. So weird. Can I help you with something?”
His tone is sugar-sweet and super annoying, but Declan doesn’t bite.
“Nah, man. Just came to say good morning to Cara.”
“Well, don’t let me stop you.” He crosses his arms and rests his butt on my desk, nearly knocking over the flowers from Friday.
I slap him on the back of the head. “Get your gargantuan ass off my desk. Who told you it was ok to do that shit?” Declan’s choked laugh makes my toes tingle.
Colt stands up, pouting. “When did you get so mean? I was going to ask you to walk me down the aisle, but now? No way. You’re off the roster.”
“I’m heartbroken. Really. Can you see the little tear in my eye? It’s right there.” I lean forward, tapping the bridge of my nose. The dumbass leans forward, still pouting, putting his nipple right within my reach. I grab it, giving it a healthy twist before he yells and yanks away. He slaps both hands on his nipples, eyes wide and betrayed.
“I can’t believe you, Cara. You dare to manhandle me? I am an engaged man. Wait till Evie hears about this. You’re gonna be in so much trouble.” He would fit right in with a bunch of third graders.
“I’m so terrified,” I say flatly, trying my damndest to keep my lips from twitching. Declan’s not trying to hide his amusement, belly laughter rolling from him.
Colton pivots, still clutching his pecs, and makes his way down the hallway muttering about ungrateful employees. Laughing, I sit, eyeing Declan. His laughter has tapered off, but he’s watching me with hooded eyes, a small grin still gracing his lips.
Maybe thanks to his apology, the awkwardness of the last few weeks is gone. I’m not ready to jump up and run into his arms, but then I don’t think that’s where this is going, anyway. But I am happy that we’ve managed to clear the air a little bit. I didn’t like him judging me. I get it, but I didn’t like it.
Declan’s smile grows as we just stare at each other. Finally, tucking his hands into his back pockets, he murmurs. “Morning, Cara,” then he turns and walks away. I suddenly wish my office had windows that opened, so I could stick my head out and scream. Why the hell does a simple hello from him still make me so damn happy?
And why am I so disappointed that he didn’t bring me something?
An hour later, when I’m searching for my stapler, I realize he did. There, tucked into my second drawer, is a present. Unwrapping it, I laugh when I find a twenty-pack of hair bands wrapped in tissue paper with another note.
Cara,
You have the most stunning hair,
But it’s not the most beautiful thing about you.
—Declan
Jesus, I’m in trouble. Roses and chocolates wouldn’t get to me. But wildflowers, Chinese food, and hair bands have me hooked. I’m constantly using pencils and chopsticks to get my hair out of my face when I’m working. And he noticed.
I’ll never admit it out loud, but I spend the walk to my car trying not to get my hopes up. I shouldn’t have bothered because there, under the windshield wiper, is a single tulip. Who the fuck does that? And how long will these apologies last? And why do I wish he were giving me things because he liked me, not because he’s sorry?
13
DECLAN
I t’s too quiet. The executive floor is not exactly a hive of activity, but when my brothers are here, there are always voices booming or music filling the hallways. I drop my headphones on my desk, standing with a stretch. I have the best setup money can buy, but sitting at a computer for as many hours a day as I do is crap for my body. Windmilling my arms to loosen my shoulders, I open the door and wander into the hallway.
The entire executive floor, except for our offices, is made of glass. From my office door, I can see around the corner and down the hallway to Ransom’s office. The light is off, which is weird. We usually gather in there every night to decompress, check in, and generally bullshit. Even if it’s only for a few minutes, we always pop in. And even if Ransom isn’t in, we still all meet there.
Tonight, especially, I expected we’d meet up. We’re all supposed to head straight to the airstrip for our flight to Vegas. Colton and Evie are determined to get hitched as soon as possible, so Colt’s been a manic mess all week.
