Vicki grinned and stepped inside. She’d removed her blue jacket to reveal a sleek black dress. “Out for some fun. Want to go?”
Not in a million years. They might be about the same age, but Josie felt decades older. “No, thanks.” Until Shane picked her up. While she still didn’t trust him, he could keep her safe from whoever was after him—and thus keep Tom safe. The two men who’d tried to attack Tom’s house would’ve killed him, and she couldn’t let that happen. She focused on her secretary. “I think I’ll work late.”
Vicki shrugged a curvy shoulder. “I figured.” Her thickly mascaraed eyes widened. “Was that cop mad earlier or what?”
“That’s an understatement.” Detective Malloy was no dummy. The story of how she’d gone willingly with Shane had sounded ridiculous, even to her ears. But there wasn’t anything the detective could do, absent taking her into custody. Which apparently he wasn’t ready to do. Though she wouldn’t be surprised to find herself under surveillance. The cop had even more questions about the two men Shane had left trussed up for the police. Because apparently they weren’t cooperating with Malloy.
Vicki wrinkled her forehead, concern glimmering in her eyes. “So are you really staying with Tom Marsh? I mean, now that your husband is in town?”
Josie shifted in her chair. “I didn’t tell anyone about my husband because I’m getting a divorce.” All she needed was a guilt trip from her secretary. “A clean start seemed like a good idea, you know?”
Vicki nodded. “Yeah, I get that. Though staying at Tom’s now is kind of risky, boss.”
Josie rolled her eyes. “Eavesdropping on the detective?”
Vicki giggled. “He was yelling at you. It was hard not to eavesdrop.”
Yeah, Josie had lied to the detective. Was that against the law? She needed to Google “false statements to police officials.” Wasn’t it a crime only if they were federal agents instead of county officials? “I’m not staying with Tom any longer. Have fun tonight, Vicki.” Happy hunting.
Vicki nodded and then glanced to the side. “Hi ya, Tom.” She winked at Josie and headed toward the elevators.
Tom nodded absently and stalked into the room to drop into a guest chair. A rip marred the work shirt which he filled quite nicely. The guy was religious about using the building’s gym. “Are you sure you’re all right?”
Josie nodded. They’d had this discussion via telephone several times during the day. “Yes. I told you, Shane left town.” The lie fell easily from her lips. Growing up in foster care, she’d learned to lie early and well. Just to keep people happy. “Detective Malloy is setting me up somewhere safe until we know for sure.” Another lie.
Tom kicked his legs out, crossing scuffed work boots at the ankles. “Why are you at work?”
“I can’t hide. Plus, I need to fix these books.”
Tom’s grin brightened the room. “I’m pretty sure that didn’t come out right.”
Josie laughed, her shoulders relaxing for the first time that day. “Good point. I didn’t mean that, and you’re above accountant jokes.”
He shrugged. “It was an easy one. Sorry I couldn’t be here earlier—rough day. I’m bidding on three different jobs right now.”
“I know what you mean about having a rough day.”
Tom glanced at his watch, a frown settling on his handsome face.
“Do you need to go, Tom?” He had to go. Shane would be there soon.
Tom frowned. “I have a meeting with a pain-in-the-ass client who might want to build a fast-food restaurant, but I don’t want to leave you alone.”
“Why is he a pain?” Josie stretched her neck.
Tom flushed. “She. She’s a pain.”
“Oh?” Josie bit back a grin. “Is she flirting with you?”
“Yes.” Tom cleared his throat. “The woman is all hands.”
“Do you like her?”
“Maybe.” His eyes warmed. “Though I’ve been waiting for you.”
Josie shrugged, unease filtering down her spine. “I’m a mess. Don’t miss out on something because of me.”
Regret flashed in his eyes, followed by humor. “Good enough. So, when will Malloy be here?”
“He’s on his way.” She hated lying. “Also, Johnston’s office is just down the hall. He’s always the last to leave.” Which was usually the truth. But today he’d gone to meet with the board of directors of the biggest bank in town. Gaining the bank as a client would be huge for the accounting firm.
A phone buzzed. Tom grabbed his cell from his pocket, reading the screen with a frown. “Okay. I have to go. Call me tonight so I know you’re safe.” His smile didn’t reach his eyes.
Darn it. She’d really screwed up his life. The guy had been knocked out last night. Josie sighed. Why couldn’t she have fallen in love with a great guy like Tom?
“I’ll call. Good luck with your client.”
He nodded and hustled toward the door, running into Daniel.