Page 77 of Faith
Monty choked on air. Zeke stared open-mouthed at her. Berkeley just laughed.
“I like you.”
“I like you, too,” Nina told her.
Berkeley smiled and helped herself to some lunch.
The four of them sat in the living room. Zeke took the seat next to Nina on the couch, with Monty on her other side and Berkeley on the chair across the room.
Nina and Berkeley kept up most of the conversation. Berkeley was funny and friendly and kind. She was the kind of person Nina wanted her brother to end up with. Someone who would keep Monty on his toes but also take care of him.
“How did you all meet?” Nina asked.
“She applied for the job,” Monty growled, not offering more information.
Berkeley forced a smile. “I saw a posting for a business manager and applied.”
“How long have you been at Rose Protection Agency?”
“Three years.”
“Wow. That’s a long time. Dating? There are some cute men working there.”
Again, Berkeley’s gaze slid to Monty, but she tore it away and shook her head. “Not at work. I don’t think that would go over well.”
“Outside of work?”
“What’s with the inquisition?” Monty asked, jumping up.
“Whoa. What’s with you? I can’t get to know her?” Nina replied.
“I didn’t say that. I just don’t get why you have to ask her about dating. It’s her business if she’s dating.” Monty stalked to the kitchen, his back to all of them.
Nina watched her brother, then swung her gaze back to Berkeley. “I apologize. I didn’t realize asking you about dating wasn’t okay. I’m… I really am sorry.”
Berkeley smiled kindly. “It’s okay. I didn’t mind. But I’m not dating anyone right now.”
“I won’t bother you about that again. I really didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable.”
“Then maybe you should stop,” Monty barked.
Nina opened her mouth to say something but closed it. She didn’t know what she did wrong, but she knew better than to keep pushing. She learned that lesson with Gwendolyn and didn’t need a refresher from her brother.
“It’s okay,” Berkeley said, rising. “Um, I should go. I have some things to finish before the end of the day.”
“Thanks for bringing lunch, Berk,” Zeke said. He stood, the loss of his leg against Nina’s as much of a shock as Monty’s attitude.
“Yes, thank you,” Nina added, frozen to the couch. She smiled at Berkeley but didn’t make a move to hug her or walk her to the door.
Monty didn’t say a thing.
Zeke and Berkeley spoke quietly, their words too soft for Nina to hear. She watched as Zeke gave Berkeley a quick hug, looking away when he caught her watching them.
Nina focused on her hands in front of her, her cheeks burning with understanding. Berkeley and Zeke were not just coworkers, but no one wanted to tell her that. Berkeley probably hated Nina. Not only had Nina moved in with the guy she was interested in or dating or something, but Nina was falling for him and risking his life and getting way too close to himand more-or-less forcing him to pause whatever was going on Berkeley.
The door closed, and the lock flipped. Nina tried to find the words to apologize to Zeke, but before she could say anything, he spoke.
“What the fuck is wrong with you?” Zeke growled.
