Chapter 25 Evelyn
TWENTY-FIVE
EVELYN
“Phantom, there's no way in hell I’m wearing this!” Zombie complained as he held the pink t-shirt that read, Down to DEFCON.
Buddha walked into the conference room with a huge smile on his face. “I don’t know, Z, I think this shirt is pretty awesome.” He looked down at his own pink t-shirt that he had cut into a tank top. “I think pink is our color.”
Zombie rolled his eyes. “You don’t even understand computers, but yet you are wearing a shirt that only makes sense to computer people!”
“Z, if we all have to wear the shirt, you have to wear the shirt. Now quit your bitchin’ and put the shirt on so we can get this photo over with,” Badger said, slapping him on the back of his head.
Zombie groaned in protest, while I just sat in my conference chair and chuckled.
Aaron walked in with Chief, both not mentioning the bright-pink shirts they were wearing. Aaron noticed me and walked over to press a kiss to my cheek. “Hi beautiful.”
I smiled at him. Anxiety and guilt roared through my body. I had come to Domino’s Gym right after I landed so I could give everyone an update, along with making them take a picture in the ridiculous shirts.
Kade had been quiet on the flight home. We’d entertained ourselves by joining the mile-high club in the plane’s private bedroom, but other than some orgasms, we hadn’t really talked much.
Everything had been tense since the phone call he had taken last night.
Grabbing the team, we went into the main work out room where Badger was handing Machine her phone to take a picture of us. Thankfully, everyone here knew that everyone who worked at Dominos were close friends, so taking a picture together wouldn’t seem all that off base.
“Bunny, I know how to take a picture. You hit the button and bam, it’s done,” Machine teased.
Badger didn’t hesitate to shove him playfully and roll her eyes.
The team all gathered together and smiled. After a few moments of Machine playing with the phone Badger yelled, “Tool, just take the fucking photo!”
“Fine, fine! Say tacos!” Machine instructed.
I could only imagine how the picture was going to come out after that instruction.
As Badger took her phone, a growl of frustration left her. “You set a photo of yourself as my background!”
All I saw was Machine with a shit-eating grin on his face before I walked into the other room and shook my head. Badger would never admit it, but they would make a cute couple. That love-hate relationship would give them insane amounts of chemistry.
“I missed you,” a warm voice said in my ear as strong arms wrapped around me.
The familiar scent of citrus and old spice filled my nostrils. I gazed over my shoulder into Aaron’s eyes. His beautiful blue eyes showed nothing but adoration and admiration. I gulped. The guilt made me want to throw up my lunch.
I mustered up a small smile. “I missed you too.”
Before the conversation could go any further, Chief called me into his office. I gave Aaron’s arm a gentle squeeze before I walked into Chief’s office and closed the door. I sat down on the love seat adjacent to his wide-spanned desk.
“So how was the conference?” Chief asked, steepling his hands on the desk.
I filled him in on the revelation I made about Kade being Ghost and spoke at length about what I’d learned at the conference. Purposefully avoiding any talk over hooking up with my assignment.
“You okay?” Chief was a straight to the point, matter-of-fact kind of guy. Talking about feelings wasn’t typically his forte.
“Yeah, just tired.” Not a lie, but not the full truth.
“We got a lead on Ricci.” Chief changed topics, not pushing his question. “We received some intel that he is working with the cartel and a shipment is to be delivered at the end of the week.”
My heart sank into my stomach. I was happy for the lead, but felt sick knowing that women and children would be affected by the exchange.
“So what’s the plan?”
“For now we will be laying low. Badge and Buddha will be spying on the exchange. Hopefully then we can get some more incriminating information for Ricci. It’s still too soon for us to go in. It’s the first deal he’s had since the big warehouse bust.”
I nodded. “Well then I guess it’s time to let the team know and get to work.”
After we briefed the team on the plan for Ricci, I walked outside and let the brisk air cool my skin. Now that I was back home, I had to deal with the harsh reality that I needed to figure out what I was doing with Aaron.
Technically Kade was a job. This wasn’t real. I didn’t need to choose.
Keep telling yourself that, a stupid little voice in the back of my head kept whispering.
I somehow got home without having to talk to Aaron. As I opened the door to my apartment, a very angry Alfredo glared at me, meowed, and turned around fluffing his tail to show he was mad.
I rolled my eyes. I never realized how much sass a cat could have until I got Mr. Grumpy-McGee.
Leaving my bags near the front door, I plopped myself on the couch and covered myself with a throw blanket. Alfredo jumped on the couch and couldn’t resist the power of the fluffy blanket. He laid down on my chest and began to purr as I ran my fingers through his fur.
“See you can’t stay mad at me.” I kissed his head. He meowed in response but continued to lay on me until I dozed off. I wasn’t sure how long I’d been asleep when I heard the sound of a text message coming through on my phone.
Kade Romano:
What is my princess up to?
Me:
Snuggling with Alfredo.
Kade Romano:
He’s one lucky guy. When can I see you?
Me:
We just were together a few hours ago. I need sleep or else you are about to deal with an angry bear. How about tomorrow?
Kade Romano:
I guess I will let the bear hibernate. Come to my office at lunch tomorrow and bring something nice to go out in after work.
Me:
So bossy, Mr. Romano
Kade Romano:
You weren’t complaining about my orders this morning.
I blushed at the thought of Kade taking control of me. Desire rushed to my core as I pictured myself bound by his belt.
Me:
Good night, Mr. Romano
Kade Romano:
Sweet dreams, princess
I put my phone on the charging port and took a shower, letting my worries wash down the drain.