Page 242 of Unexpected Heroine

I cover my giggle with my hand and attempt to focus on what’s about to go down once we get past security.

The guard returns, notepad in hand. “Names and purpose of visit, please? I’ll call Peg. And I’ll need to see everyone’s identification if she clears you.”

Already on the case, Amber holds her cell toward the guard. “I’ve got her for you. She’s on speaker. Go ahead, Peggy.”

And just like that, we’re cleared to enter.

“It’s good to be the king,” Cort quips, trying to throw his voice in an accent I don’t recognize.

But I laugh anyway.

Fifty percent chance it’s because he’s funny, and fifty percent chance it’s nervous energy.

Ten minutes and one bathroom break later, we’re waiting in a small sitting area. We’re a few feet in front of the woman who cleared us to enter. Don’t know much about this older gal, but she’s not happy to see me, that’s for sure. I’m wondering who licked the red off her candy. If she keeps staring me down, I just might ask her.

After going through the bag check and X-ray machine in the lobby, which I could have sworn was not there the only other time I was here, Peggy was waiting for us by the elevator.

She went through the motions of offering us beverages and exchanging pleasantries, likely catering to my wealthy chauffeurs more than me. Through it all, an underlying tension surrounds her. Call me crazy, but bitchy isn’t the vibe I get from her. Almost as if she’s out of sorts today.

When I told her I was here to see her boss, she initially declined, stating I’d need to come back another day. As if I gave her a choice. Ha. I made it clear, in no uncertain terms, that I would wait all day if I had to. Wild horses couldn’t drag me away.

She seems protective over her boss, which I admire. It’s also inconvenient as hell today.

Once she realized she had a better chance of brushing an alligator’s teeth than getting rid of me, she agreed to ask him to meet with me when he was finished with whatever he was doing. Other than a tip of her head toward a door about ten feet away from her desk, she gave no other explanation. I can only presume it’s his office behind that door.

Rising to my feet, I start pacing in the small space. Ants have metaphorically invaded my pants. Sitting calmly? Not on my watch.

While talking softly with Amber and Cort, Peggy keeps shooting me an evil eye. What the hell did I ever do to her?

The answer hits me like a frozen fish to my face.

Tomer.

No doubt, the lying dog must have told her I was coming to start trouble and has her running interference. By now, she’s likely notified him that I’ve arrived. Bet he’ll be down here any minute to sling me over his shoulder and drag me out of here like a caveman. Fucker.

And why does that still make my core clench? Damn this hyper-horniness.

On my next lap, I peek down the hall, trying to remember where Tomer’s office was. Yet the night of my rescue is foggy. Not much looks familiar around here. Sweeping my gaze from one end of the hallway to the other, I’m relieved he’s not barreling toward me.

Also slightly disappointed.

Boy, I’ve lost it. So much for the steady sense of calm I had earlier.

Twice, I find myself starting to chew on my nails, but I resist both times.

“You’re gonna wear a hole in it, young lady,” Peggy chides out of nowhere, interrupting my mental recitation of the I am your daughter speech.

My nose scrunches as I process her odd sentence. “Beg your pardon.”

She pointedly stares at my feet before returning her attention to my face. “The carpet. You’ll wear a hole in it if you don’t stop pacing. Why don’t you have a seat?”

Despite not being tired—after all, we’ve barely been waiting five minutes, even if it feels like forever—I accept her offer, trudging over to sit beside Amber.

The second my fanny hits the seat, Peggy adds, “He might be a while, darling. Why don’t you go on home now, and I’ll have him call you tomorrow? Wouldn’t that be more comfortable for you all?”

Having already made my position clear, I fold my arms at my chest and settle deeper into the seat. Eying her down, I don’t blink.

She tuts her lips and tosses her hands to the sides. “Suit yourself. But I’m telling you, this isn’t a good day for whatever you need to discuss.”

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