“She was interested, as it turns out,” I say.
His eyes brighten, and he goes into full smirk mode.
“What did I tell you? Please tell me you asked her out or fucked her…or something.”
“I was in a hospital bed, asshole!”
“Fine,” he growls. “Are you going to see her again?”
“I took her number.”
He leans back. “But you haven’t made plans?”
“Calm down,” I tell him. “I’ve been out of hospital for one day. What’s the rush?”
He puts his plate on the arm of the chair. “Females are in short supply on Mistveil. The ratio is pretty extreme. From what I understand, Brook will have no shortage of interested males the moment she’s back on that island.”
“Then she gets snapped up.” I shrug.
Flint gives me a look.
“What?” I ask.
“Come on! She’s hot and seems really nice. You should message her right now.”
“I’ll message her when I’m good and ready. We need to talk business.” I look at him. “I hear that our Council has a meeting at Mistveil this afternoon and that you’re going as part of the security detail?”
He nods. “That is correct. We leave at one and will be back this evening.”
I glance at my watch. “That’s a short turnaround. Is everything organized? The briefing pack, the risk assessment?—”
“Everything is on track,” he cuts me off, but without heat in it. “Don’t worry. It’s covered.” He narrows his eyes. “Do you want me to take Brook some flowers?”
I look at him.
“I could take them across for you,” he says. “Since I’m going anyway.”
“You’re not serious.”
“I am. You told me to give Carla flowers. You like flowers.”
“You have a history with Carla. I have seen this female twice.” I stare at him across the desk. “I think it’s a little over the top to be giving her flowers.”
“Nonsense. I disagree.”
“I’m not desperate, Flint. Leave it alone.” I pick a pen up. “I’m a grown male. I know how to make a phone call. You’re getting annoying about this. Leave it alone.”
He points at me as he stands. “Call her.” He takes his plate off the arm of the chair and heads for the door. He stops just before it. “And welcome back.” He smiles at me. “I missed you.”
“Thank you,” I say. “Now get back to work.”
“Yes, boss!”
The door closes.
I know he means well, but holy shit.
I am perfectly fine on my own.
