Page 90 of Black Sheep

“Uh…”

“Come on. You’ve been cooped up in here for too long. I understand that’s probably the design but you’re allowed to play hooky once. I won’t tell the big bad wolf if you don’t. Plus, I know a really cool place.”

“Umm…sure.” I look down at my dress. It’s a little on the short side, no longer than a big shirt, really.

B waves a hand at me. “You don’t need to change. We’re not leaving the premises.”

Nodding, I slip on a pair of comfortable wedges and grab the phone Axel returned to me a day after my arrival.

Thankfully, it’s remained silent. Once Axel left me last night, I made my weekly Tuesday call and was reassured there was no change in my mother’s condition.

I shut the door and follow B down the hallway to the elevator. Assuming we are heading down, I glance at her in surprise when she slides a card through the security panel and hits the button for PHR.

We exit at the twenty-fifth floor onto a stunning roof garden, complete with a water feature, miniature palm trees, sun loungers, and an extensive bar. The space is unoccupied, save for a bartender and waiter manning the bar.

We pass three grouped sofas before she chooses a lounge chair. I pick the seat next to her and stretch out my legs.

After being in isolation for a week, the sunshine and fresh air are seriously awesome. I didn’t think I wanted to go anywhere in the July heat, but the sun on my skin makes me sigh. I look around, stunned at the prime space most real estate investors would pay premium dollars to inhabit.

B slants a glance at me. “Interest you in a cocktail?”

“Sure,” I reply with a smile.

She nods to the bartender and holds up two fingers.

“Is this place part of the club?” I ask.

She nods. “Only a select few are allowed up here during the day.”

Her answer draws my attention to her clothes. Unlike on the nights when I’ve seen her in work mode, she’s wearing dark gray palazzo pants and a white, body-hugging top. The combo shows off her toned arms and belly, with the customary stiletto pumps on her feet.

She intercepts my scrutiny. “It’s my day off.”

“And you’re spending it here?”

She shrugs. “What can I say, I’m a workaholic.”

Instinct tells me there’s more but I don’t pry.

Our drinks arrive. I accept the brightly colored cocktail and take a sip. Rum bursts through the refreshing taste of watermelon and pineapple, and I take another greedy sip.

B takes a few sips of hers before she glances at me.

“So, you doing okay?”

A part of me winces with disappointment. “I was hoping this wasn’t a pity drink.”

She holds up one hand. “It’s not. But technically, everyone in this building is my responsibility, whether they’re special guests of the boss or not.”

Despite her answer, I can’t help but think she has an agenda. “I’m fine.”

Steady eyes remain on me for a long moment. “You sure? Because there’s intense relationships. And then there’s you and Axel.”

I try a shrug. “It’s just—”

“No honey, there’s nothing ‘just’ about it. Not if you can’t walk in a straight line in public.”

Heat rushes up my neck into my face. A little irritated, I frown into my drink. “Why are you interested?” Was Axel lying when he said he and B were strictly business?

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