Close Cover (Masters and Mercenaries #16)(43)

“I can tell,” he replied with a wink.

She grabbed a chilled stein and started the pour. “Did I mention how happy I am to have a job?”

“You might have a couple of times,” he replied with a wink that reminded her she’d paid him back in orgasms. “I’m happy to see you happy.”

She slid the stein in front of him. “Are you closing on the wharf tomorrow?”

His expression dimmed. “Yes. Uhm, it’s at three tomorrow. I’ll sign everything and it’ll be overnighted to the firm in Louisiana that’s handling the sale. It won’t take too long. I’ll be able to bring you to work. Don’t worry about that.”

Bittersweet. That was what this time would be. There were only so many days between them and it lent something primal to the time they did have. She wasn’t going to hide from it. She wasn’t going to pretend it wouldn’t happen. She would be grateful that she’d had this time where this amazing man had wanted her, had taken such sweet care of her. “I wasn’t worried. I want to make sure you don’t miss your meeting though. I understand how much making everything legal means to you. I don’t want you to be late. Linc can come and get me.”

A single brow rose over Remy’s eyes. “Linc? Why would he pick you up?”

Linc walked up, winking her way. He moved behind the bar. He was six foot four inches of pure ex-Special Forces, heavily accented with the PTSD crazy. Linc had light brown hair and broad shoulders and could probably be considered gorgeous, but now she compared everyone to Remy and no one could match. “I’ll be happy to pick Lisa up. I will absolutely make sure she gets to work on time.”

Remy was suddenly sitting up straighter than he had before.

But she had to think about him. Linc could get her to work one day this week. “He’s got a very important meeting tomorrow and I’ve got the dinner shift, but I can come in early if I need to. Do you mind?”

Linc put a hand on her shoulder. “Not a problem. I’m thrilled to have you here. I’ve missed you.”

“From training class,” Remy said, proving he hadn’t forgotten a thing she’d said. After their scene, he hadn’t mentioned it again.

That scene. God, she couldn’t get her head off it. Never in her life had she felt as connected to another human being than she had when Remy had wrapped her up and spoken those sweet words to her. She’d been his art, his words a natural result of what their bodies felt. They’d been so peaceful afterward, she’d kind of forgotten he’d been jealous.

Linc pulled out the cocktail shaker as Tiffany, one of the waitresses, dropped off an order. “Training class. Sweet days, my man. I will tell you that there was never a better day than when I got paired up with Lisa. You know what it’s like. You’re standing there feeling awkward in those leathers, praying you don’t get the chick with the crazy eyes. And then whoop, there crazy eyes is and she turns out to be pretty awesome.”

She slapped at his arm. “I do not have crazy eyes.”

Linc had been the best time. They’d made an agreement that first day that they were going to have fun during their training time and go their separate ways. Not once had she regretted that. Certainly not now. He was funny and sweet and not for her. They’d had fun in bed, figuring out what they liked and what they didn’t as a top and a bottom, but that had been the extent of their chemistry.

When she thought about it, it was a bit like what she’d done with Remy. She’d known she and Linc would end, but she’d been okay with it. Not once had she cried over him. She didn’t dream at night that he somehow changed his mind and took her with him when their time was up. They’d shaken hands at the end of training class. Oh, they’d also joked that if they were still without permanent partners in five years, they would take each other back, but that was all a joke. Her backup Dom.

“Yeah, Lisa and I got paired up that first night and we kind of clicked. You know how it is when you meet someone you fit with. Nice and easy. No drama,” Linc replied. “It’s so weird because I hadn’t realized how much I missed her until she walked in that door. It’s really great to have her here, you know.”

“I know how much I like having her in my life,” Remy said, his voice careful. “And that’s why I’ll make sure she gets to work on time. I can manage it, but thanks for offering to watch out for her.”

Linc nodded. “No problem. I’ll have plenty of chances to help out when you’re gone. I hear you’re heading back to Louisiana soon. The good news is, you won’t have to worry about Lisa because she’ll have a family here who will be happy to look after her.”

She watched as Remy’s hand closed around his beer and she prayed he didn’t break the glass, but what exactly was she supposed to say? He was leaving. It made her heart ache, but he hadn’t mentioned some miraculous change of plans. He was leaving her behind and she would need a ride. The train stop was a couple of blocks away and she worked late some nights. She wasn’t going to start up with Linc again, but she would take a ride from him if he didn’t mind.

Remy’s jaw went tight and she was almost sure he was going to start an argument when something caught his eye. He turned slightly and looked over at the lobby. “There she is.”

Lisa looked up and her day took a deep dive. She wasn’t sure who the woman was, though she looked vaguely familiar. Blonde hair and perfect makeup, the woman was tall and model skinny, a designer briefcase in her hand and sky-high heels on her feet.