Page 17 of Secret Gifts
“I can’t believe you skipped the banquet to get out of having to wear a dress,” Rex grumbles as he walks into my apartment unannounced.
“I didn’t skip it to get out of wearing a dress,” I exasperate. I skipped it to keep from running into the sexiest man I’ve ever known. “I had to pack. As it turns out, I’ll be gone for three weeks this time at the very least. Apparently, Captain Fricks didn’t have any luck getting me out from under Hedin’s wing because he’s still going, making my presence null and void. I doubt I’ll even try to pay attention to the tracks this time.”
“Yes you will. You can’t help it. You’re just like dad in that sense,” he says gently while flopping down on my couch.
I smile at the comparison. I hate it when people say I’m like my mother, but I love it when they compare me to Dad.
“When are you heading out?” he yawns out.
“In ten minutes,” I say too casually while zipping up my last bag.
“What? Why? I thought it was tomorrow,” he says in a worrisome tone.
“What’s wrong, big brother? Upset you can’t find a way to get yourself on this detail?” I tease.
He narrows his eyes at me and shrugs.
“I’ll just join you guys later. Unlike you, I don't have a problem using Mom's influence to get my way. It's easy to hop on a detail even if it is already started.”
I roll my eyes at the overprotective seer lounging on my blood red couch. A light rapping against my steel door draws my attention away from him, and I make my way over, expecting to see one of the men from my brigade.
I gasp when I swing it open to reveal the tall, sexy-as-fuck man grinning at me as he leans against my doorframe. His lean, sculpted body is hidden beneath the formal suit, and now I’m dreading skipping the damn banquet.
“Hey,” he says very lowly while staring at me with those damn beautiful eyes.
“I see you found out where I live,” I murmur softly to distract myself from pulling him to me.
“I did. I was curious as to why you didn’t show up tonight.”
Because I want you, idiot. And I can’t have you.
He tilts his head, his devious smirk growing as he takes a step closer, continuing to speak when my words refuse to form. "I was hoping to run into you, and thanks to your absence, I had to fight off a flock of very eager women,” he menacingly releases.
I would have just been part of that eager flock, but you’re too oblivious to notice someone like me amongst the crowd.
If Hale Banner wasn't my father, I doubt Jase would even be talking to me. Most people want to know more about Dad or Mom. It's annoying really.
“Well, I had to pack.”
His lips tighten as if I’ve said something he didn’t like, but I shrug while pulling my bag out from behind the door.
“I see,” he sighs out. “I heard your team was leaving out tonight instead of tomorrow.”
Then why act as though you didn’t when I mentioned it?
He smirks a little while rolling his eyes, and again I’m confused.
“What’s that for?” I muse.
“What’s what for?”
“The eye-roll you just gave me.”
He laughs lightly, as if to himself, and then he shrugs.
“Nothing. I came to walk you out. I’d tell you to call me if you need me, but I heard you’ll be on silent stalk.”
Not to mention I don’t have your number.
