Forgotten Sins (Sin Brothers, #1)(38)

Josie rolled her eyes. “Eavesdropping on the detective?”

Vicki giggled. “He was yelling at you. It was hard not to eavesdrop.”

Yeah, Josie had lied to the detective. Was that against the law? She needed to Google “false statements to police officials.” Wasn’t it a crime only if they were federal agents instead of county officials? “I’m not staying with Tom any longer. Have fun tonight, Vicki.” Happy hunting.

Vicki nodded and then glanced to the side. “Hi ya, Tom.” She winked at Josie and headed toward the elevators.

Tom nodded absently and stalked into the room to drop into a guest chair. A rip marred the work shirt which he filled quite nicely. The guy was religious about using the building’s gym. “Are you sure you’re all right?”

Josie nodded. They’d had this discussion via telephone several times during the day. “Yes. I told you, Shane left town.” The lie fell easily from her lips. Growing up in foster care, she’d learned to lie early and well. Just to keep people happy. “Detective Malloy is setting me up somewhere safe until we know for sure.” Another lie.

Tom kicked his legs out, crossing scuffed work boots at the ankles. “Why are you at work?”

“I can’t hide. Plus, I need to fix these books.”

Tom’s grin brightened the room. “I’m pretty sure that didn’t come out right.”

Josie laughed, her shoulders relaxing for the first time that day. “Good point. I didn’t mean that, and you’re above accountant jokes.”

He shrugged. “It was an easy one. Sorry I couldn’t be here earlier—rough day. I’m bidding on three different jobs right now.”

“I know what you mean about having a rough day.”

Tom glanced at his watch, a frown settling on his handsome face.

“Do you need to go, Tom?” He had to go. Shane would be there soon.

Tom frowned. “I have a meeting with a pain-in-the-ass client who might want to build a fast-food restaurant, but I don’t want to leave you alone.”

“Why is he a pain?” Josie stretched her neck.

Tom flushed. “She. She’s a pain.”

“Oh?” Josie bit back a grin. “Is she flirting with you?”

“Yes.” Tom cleared his throat. “The woman is all hands.”

“Do you like her?”

“Maybe.” His eyes warmed. “Though I’ve been waiting for you.”

Josie shrugged, unease filtering down her spine. “I’m a mess. Don’t miss out on something because of me.”

Regret flashed in his eyes, followed by humor. “Good enough. So, when will Malloy be here?”

“He’s on his way.” She hated lying. “Also, Johnston’s office is just down the hall. He’s always the last to leave.” Which was usually the truth. But today he’d gone to meet with the board of directors of the biggest bank in town. Gaining the bank as a client would be huge for the accounting firm.

A phone buzzed. Tom grabbed his cell from his pocket, reading the screen with a frown. “Okay. I have to go. Call me tonight so I know you’re safe.” His smile didn’t reach his eyes.

Darn it. She’d really screwed up his life. The guy had been knocked out last night. Josie sighed. Why couldn’t she have fallen in love with a great guy like Tom?

“I’ll call. Good luck with your client.”

He nodded and hustled toward the door, running into Daniel.

“Hey. I was just going to head to your floor and see if you wanted to go for a drink,” Daniel said. He’d shucked his fancy coat and had rolled his monogrammed shirt up to the elbows. Even his Burberry tie looked askew.

Tom shook his head. “I have a meeting with a client. Plus, we have a basketball game tomorrow night.”

Daniel rolled his eyes. “Drinking doesn’t affect my game, Sally.”

Tom snorted. “See you tomorrow.” He hurried down the hall.

Daniel rubbed his clean-shaven jaw, glancing at Josie. “You’re working late.”

She lifted a shoulder. “I’m trying to keep up with you. Rumor has it you got the school district account on the golf course.” Apparently playing golf with the superintendent led to business.

“Yes. A lot of business deals are made on the golf course.” He frowned.

“I don’t play golf.” Especially with men. Life sucked.

Daniel exhaled, exhaustion dimming his eyes for a moment. “So you don’t play golf with the guys. Many women own businesses in the area—join the chamber of commerce and meet some. Join women’s groups like the PTO and meet some. Use what you have, Josie.”

Why was Dan giving her ideas? She lifted both eyebrows. “That’s actually good advice.”

He shrugged. “I like the playing field level. Simple as that.” He turned on his Italian loafer and disappeared from sight.

Interesting. Maybe Dan didn’t suck as much as she’d thought. Josie grabbed her calculator, adding and reading the figures on the spreadsheet before her for Agers Hardware. Why wouldn’t they match up? She bit her lip, grabbing the rest of the file from the bottom drawer.

Her door closed.

She hissed out a breath, pushing back from the desk. “Shane. I didn’t hear you.”