Page 37 of Basil

Basil had told me that Drew was struggling because she didn’t have a good reputation in the Seattle IT community as a leader, especially now that everyone knew she’d been kicked out of Stratos. The tech world was a small, incestuous one, and your screw-ups or your successes didn’t remain secret.

Karen forced a tense smile. “Well, this has been fun, but we should?—”

“Oh, no, don’t leave on my account.” I smiled sweetly. “I was just about to gift you both some sage bundles for all that negative energy you’re carrying.”

Drew seethed, her hands clenching into fists. “Basil?—”

He sighed, finally losing patience. “What the fuck did you both think you were going to achieve coming here?”

“She ruined my life,” Drew blubbered. “I thought…I thought she’d talk to you and…I need a job, Basil.”

She thought I’d help her? Lord, this woman was unhinged!And desperate, I thought feelingslightlybad for her. I didn’t want to hurt anyone ever, but Drew wasnotmy problem, and her issues were hers to solve, not mine.

I stepped around the counter. “Alright, the show is over. Both of you, get out.”

Drew glared at me and then turned to Basil. “Basil, please?—”

“Enough,” I cut her off and gestured toward the door. “I don’t sell desperation and regret, so you’re really not my target demographic.”

The door jangled, and I worried a customer was walking into this clusterfuck but it was Meadow. She looked at the scene and let out a delighted laugh. “Just need some popcorn.”

Drew sputtered, looking from Basil to me as if she still couldn’t believe this was happening. But Basil had already turned his attention fully to me, completely done with her.

Karen yanked Drew’s arm. “Let’s go.”

The bell jingled aggressively as they stormed out.

Silence stretched.

Then Basil turned to me, eyes glinting with something wicked. “You really didn’t need my help taking out the trash, did you?”

“Apparently not.AndI also didn’t need bail money,” I pointed out.

He tilted his head, dragging his gaze over me, slow and appreciative. “You looked damn hot doing it, though.”

I rolled my eyes, but my cheeks betrayed me, heating under his very obvious admiration. “Men are such neanderthals.”

He leaned in, his voice a low murmur meant just for me. “Something about you all sassy and sarcastic just does it for me.”

Meadow cleared her throat loudly. “Okay, lovebirds, let’s not defile the candles.”

Basil chuckled but didn’t pull away. His fingers brushed my waist, his voice teasing but gentle. “You good?”

I exhaled, finally letting go of the tension those two had brought in with them. “Yeah. I’m good.”

Meadow folded her arms. “Good because I’d hate for them to take up more of our precious energy. Now, are we ready for drinks and dinner?”

Basil stroked a finger down my cheek. “Yes.”

I pretended to consider. “I don’t know…throwing out garbage is exhausting work. I may…want to go to bed.”

His dimple appeared, and I knew I was so screwed.

“I promise I’ll make it worth your while.” He dropped a quick kiss on my lips. “Meadow, get out.”

“Sheesh! And here I was hoping your rich boyfriend would pay the tab.”

I didn’t watch Meadow leave because I couldn’t look away from Basil’s eyes.

---