“You’re lying, kid, but that’s okay.” Hodges patted his hand.
“Don’t patronize me. And don’t call me kid,” Reese said, for possibly the hundred millionth time in his life. They were only fifteen years apart.
Hodges smirked. “Yes, sir.”
“Ugh. Don’t call methateither.”
The plane did something that should have been reserved for the exclusive use of amusement park rides. Reese swallowed back a yelp.
“Mati’s going to be fine.”
Reese snapped his gaze back to Hodges. “Yes, she is,” he said with absolute conviction. He had to believe that.
“I’ve got a car waiting for us at the airport. We’ll be home in forty-five minutes.” It was still way too long. Reese eyed Hodges’ smile with suspicion. “And then you can see your sweetheart. Or was it yourlove?”
Reese crossed his arms over his chest. “Shut up.”
Hodges snorted, immune to Reese’s glare.
“They were extreme circumstances,” Reese said tartly.
Hodges rolled his eyes. “For Christ’s sake, you two are ridiculous.”
“You keep saying that. I don’t know what you mean.”
Hodges laughed. “That’s what’s ridiculous!”
Reese threw up his hands. “You’re always muttering about idiots and insinuating I’m clueless, yet you never explain yourself.”
“Why ruin the source of so much joy?”
“I’m glad we amuse you,” Reese snapped. “But I will never understand why you seem to think I’ve done something stupid or wrong by being a respectful and appropriate employer to Matilda.”
Hodges stopped laughing, the smile wiped from his face. “There is nothing stupid or wrong about that.”
Reese sighed in utter exasperation. “So, what’s the problem?”
“I don’t have a problem. Not with that.”
“Well, you could have fooled me. Care to explain what youdohave a problem with?”
“You love her.”
Reese sat up, his spine going rigid. He’d often feared his feelings toward Mati weren’t well hidden, even before today’s debacle, but never once had Hodges called him on it.
Reese tightened his seat belt when they descended so quickly he was lifted right off the cushion.
“She’s a dear friend. And a perfect employee,” Reese said, his voice mild.
“Oh, don’t give me that shit,” Hodges said. “It’s not admiration for herwork ethicthat got you on this plane.”
Reese stared out the window and noted how rapidly the runway was approaching. “Yes, well, it doesn’t matter what it is. I’m not going to set myself in the cliché role of the sleazeball boss who hits on her.”
Hodges’ shoulders slumped. “You’re not just her boss though,” he said quietly—well, as quietly as he could and still be heard over the engines.
“Even if that’s true, she deserves better than me. Someone who isn’t—”
“If you say broken, I swear to god I’m going to punch you in the face.”
