Page 40 of The Exception

“Where are you going?” she asked.

“There may or may not be a chicken in my room.”

“What?” Lily squawked, following me. “Are you serious?”

“I found her on the beach this morning. The vet says her wing is damaged, but she should make a full recovery.”

“But what’s she doing here?”

“I’m just keeping her until the vet can find her a home.”

“You’re keeping her. Here?” She said the words slowly, as if she couldn’t make sense of them.

“Yes. Temporarily.”

When I glanced at her, she was watching me curiously. “Yes?” I asked.

“Nothing. I’m just surprised, that’s all.”

“Why?” I asked. “I rescued Prince Albert and Queen V.”

“Yeah, but they’re not a chicken.”

I scratched under the chicken’s chin. “Does that make her any less worthy?”

“No. Nope.” Her voice sounded strange. When I met her eyes, they were shining.

I gave the chicken one last glance, made sure her food and water were full. And then I gestured toward the living room.

“Does she have a name?” Lily asked. “Your new roommate.”

“She’s not my new roommate. I’m not keeping her. So, no, she doesn’t have a name.”

“Mm.” She tapped a finger to her lips. “I think we should call her Lady Lorraine.”

I chuckled. “Lady Lorraine?”

She stilled.

“What?” I asked.

She turned to face me. “You just…you laughed. You never laugh.”

I frowned. “I laugh.”

“Not with me.”

“It’s not a done deal yet, but I suppose if you’re going to be my wife, we should probably work on our rapport, as you suggested.”

“Is that what this is?” She gestured to the cards and the couch. “Working on our rapport?”

“No.” I sat on the couch and shuffled the cards. “Games and puzzles have always helped me relax.”

“I know,” she said softly. So softly, I almost missed it.

I was coming to realize just how closely she’d paid attention to me. Not just as her boss, but as a man. It honestly made me feel like shit. That she’d been so attentive and perceptive, and I… I swallowed hard. Sometimes, I felt as if I was only scratching the surface with her.

A game of cards was as good a way as any to get to know someone. I also hoped that playing cards would give me something to concentrate on besides the gorgeous woman across from me. When I’d first seen Lily in that dress, with its swirling blues and dangerously low neckline, my tongue had nearly fallen out of my damn mouth. Even now, I found it difficult not to stare.

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