Page 20 of Watch Over Me

"Good afternoon, Senator. Yes, of course." Ryan sat up and grabbed a pen. "Yes, if you— Yes. Let me write it down."

James sagged in his chair. So much for that peace and quiet.

Sure, technically, they would have been on call anyway, but he hated last minute change of plans, especially over the weekend.

After confirming they'd be there to pick the senator and her husband up at five pm tomorrow, Ryan disconnected and snorted as he met James's gaze.

"Guess who's also going to the New Technologies Gala."

James raised his eyebrows. "She's not even involved in the technology field."

"She admitted it's a good networking event for her husband," Ryan said with a grimace.

Albert Corner had been searching for a job for a few months now, but apparently nothing fit.

Not that James could fault any company for refusing to work with the guy.

"One more point against him," he muttered as he sat up in his seat. "I may ask Kalei for some kind of an asshole bonus after this."

"The company would go bankrupt if we asked for those every time there's a reason for it," Ryan said. "Maybe we could double their rates next time, at least."

"Let's hope there won't be a next time." James rubbed his forehead. "For now, I guess we need to check out the blueprints for the gala venue, don't we?"

Ryan sighed. "I guess we do."

"But first, since we're staying, I need more coffee." James stood up. "You want some?"

"No, I'm going to be wide awake until midnight as it is. I would love you forever if you brought me a protein bar or two, though."

James chuckled. "You promised me your undying devotion in the past already, I don't think you can promise it again under new conditions."

"I don't remember doing that."

"I remember at least three separate times."

"Was I sober?"

"Well, there was that time after Chase—"

Ryan groaned. "Stop, I don't want a reminder of that."

James couldn't blame him. Ryan had only gone out with that asshole a couple of times, but it was enough to put the guy squarely at the top of the dating horror stories.

"Don't worry, I'm sure I offered my undying devotion back at least once, too," James told him in an attempt to swerve the conversation away from that landmine.

He definitely needed coffee if he'd invoked Chase without thinking.

"Twice," Ryan said, making James halt in the doorway.

"What?"

"You offered your undying devotion twice so far, but I'm always open to hear about it some more."

James snorted. "How about I go search for those protein bars instead."

"Food is my love language," Ryan shouted after him, which meant that several people in the hall turned towards James.

Why did he have to pick such a troll for a best friend, exactly?

---