But I kept that to myself, and I kept up the illusion through the rest of lunch, paid my part of the bill, and we all headed out.
On the way out to the cars, Teagan put her hand on my arm, and I slowed my pace to match hers. Keeping her voice low, she asked, “Everything okay?”
“Yeah. Rough weekend, I guess.”
“You guess?” She eyed me. “Was it or wasn’t it?”
“It was.” I flashed her a grin. “In a good way, though.”
“Ah, one of those weekends. Well done, McNeill.” She elbowed me and winked.
I laughed. “Thanks. I really am okay. I promise.”
“Okay.” She smiled. “As long as everything’s all right.”
Oh, everything was all right.
I smiled back, spinning my key ring around my finger.
Everything was great.
*
Back at the office, I tapped into every last reserve of focus I had and got back to work. Some of my work was fairly mind-numbing, though. Cutting pieces. Arranging them. Painting them. Gluing them. Yawn.
Finally, I had to give up and step out for some air. The park across the street was a good place to walk and clear my head, and it woke me up a little, but there was no busting me out of this funk until it was good and ready to let me go. I’d be all right, and the drop was well worth it for the high, but man, this part sucked.
On my way back in, as I headed through the parking garage, a voice stopped me in my tracks: “Jon, there you are.”
I turned around as Rick came around the corner.
He glanced around as he stepped closer. “Are you okay? Every time I’ve seen you today, you’ve been out of it.”
I rubbed a hand over my face. “I’m okay. I’m just…after the weekend…”
“Top drop?”
I met his gaze. “How’d you guess?”
“This isn’t my first rodeo.” A faint smile appeared on his lips, but it quickly faded, and his forehead creased. “You’ve been working at breakneck speed for weeks, and then you’d barely recovered before we went to that club. I should’ve known this was going to happen.”
“Yeah. Me too.” Sighing, I rolled my shoulders. “I figured it was coming, but it hasn’t hit me like this in a long time. Like you said—stress. Lack of sleep.” I waved a hand. “Story of my life, I guess. I’ll be okay, though.”
“I know you will.” He studied me. “Why don’t we take it easy tonight? If you want to come by my place, I can cook something, and we can just watch movies or whatever.”
I lifted my eyebrows. “That’s the kind of crazy talk that leads to guys turning into boyfriends.”
Rick laughed. “I’ll order pizza, then. From one of those shitty chain places.” He winked. “Keeps the expectations low.”
I chuckled. “Seriously, though, movies and laying low sounds like a great night. Should I bring anything?”
“No. Just yourself.” He smiled. “I’ll take care of everything else. I’ll see you tonight?”
“Definitely. Text me if you decide you want me to bring something.” I glanced around. There were cameras in here, but no one ever looked at them unless something was stolen or damaged, so we were safe. I touched his arm, wishing like hell we could do more here. “And thank you. For understanding.”
“Nothing to thank me for. I understand.”
He held my gaze. I held his.
Oh, to hell with it. The garage was deserted, no one looked at the cameras unless there was an accident or a break-in, and if I didn’t kiss him soon, I was going to lose my mind, so I reached up, slid my hand around the back of his neck and pressed my lips to his.
God. Yes.
I didn’t have the energy for anything wild or kinky, but just touching him, just kissing him, went to my veins faster than a 5-Hour or a Red Bull. Like a hangover miracle cure delivered on the lips of a Prince Charming. Well, sort of. At least it got my heart going again, and I was pretty sure I could survive the day now.
Rick pulled back a little and glanced around. “Are you sure we should do this here?”
“What are they gonna do? Fire me?”
“Not on my watch.” He laughed and let himself be drawn back in, and I kissed him once more.
Any time I kissed Rick, there was that risk of losing track of time, space, everything, but we were at my office. Although I couldn’t get fired for being with him, I didn’t necessarily want to get caught.
So, reluctantly, I broke the kiss and let go. “I should… I should get back to work.”
“Yeah, me too.” He nodded toward where he must’ve parked. “I’ve got some meetings at my office today.”
“Okay.” I smiled. “I’ll see you tonight.”
“Looking forward to it.”
One more kiss, and we went our separate ways—Rick to his car, me back to the office to wrap up a few things.
I stepped into the elevator area, and froze.
“Mr. Mitchell.” I swallowed. “Didn’t…didn’t realize you were down here.”
“Mmhmm.” He gestured past me. “Did I hear you and Mr. Pierce having a conversation?”
God, I hope not…
“Sorry.” I cleared my throat. “Same as before—he had a question. I deferred him to you, though.”
“Mmhmm.” He scowled. “Again, and again, and again, I keep seeing you chatting with our client.”