Page 46 of Anger

The following week went much the same way. She caught the worried looks Ranson and Mac were sending her over her long hours, but she had to put in the extra time.

Finally, on Friday, Lanie hit her intercom and called for Mac and Ranson.

“What’s up?” Mac asked, entering.

“I’ve finished for the day. Everything is caught up,” Lanie answered.

“About time. You were putting in some stupid hours,” Ranson replied as he appeared in the doorway. “I’ll call Fisher for the car.”

“How about I cook for you?” Mac suggested.

“How about we order in?” Lanie counteroffered.

“We can do that,” Mac replied happily.

“Why do I feel like a third wheel?” Ranson complained as they headed towards the lift.

Lanie felt guilty. “I’m sorry. Would you like to join us?”

“No, I do not crash dates,” Ranson teased.

“It’s not a date!” Lanie exclaimed.

“Thanks, bro!” Mac said at the same time.

Lanie looked at Mac, aghast, and shook her head. “You can’t say that!”

“I don’t want my cousin around when I am on a date with you,” Mac replied.

“It’s not a date.”

“Lanie, it’s a date. There’ll be food, movies, and kissing. Lots of it. Ranson does not need to be seeing that!”

Lanie blushed, and Mac grinned as Ranson groaned. “Jesus.”

“Let’s go home before Ranson gets all squirrely and embarrassed,” Mac teased. Lanie slid in the back of the car and sent them both stern looks.

Yet, in her stomach, there were butterflies. Which made no sense. Because if Alainen had been her soul mate, then why was Mac getting to her? Because the damn man was. Mac was making her feel things she’d not experienced since Alainen’s betrayal. And that made Lanie very unsure of herself.

???

“Get out now,” Ranson ordered, bursting into Lanie’s office two days later.

“What?” Lanie exclaimed, looking up in surprise.

“The biohazard sensors just went off in the sorting office. The entire building is evacuating. Lanie, go!” Ranson commanded.

“Where’s Mac?”

“Checking the car out. Move your ass, now. Because even you are vulnerable to toxins!”

Lanie got to her feet and groaned. Not those damn stairs again. Instead, he headed for a cupboard and pulled out two face masks. He placed one on her and shoved her towards her private elevator.

“Do my staff have these?” Lanie demanded, worried.

“Yes. It was part of the recent security overhaul. After the attacks with bio-toxins, face masks were put in the bottom draw of every desk,” Ranson explained, and her shoulders relaxed.

Lanie didn’t want to be responsible for anyone’s death.

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