Breaking Bro Code (The Line Up #4) - Misti Murphy Page 0,77
Would she see that as me committing to her? Would she welcome that kind of forever?
Her smile is sort of off. It doesn’t quite hide that she’s pensive and maybe a little sad. “Okay.”
I hold her hand on my chest. “That will never happen.”
Chapter Twenty-Three
Lily
It’s early Monday afternoon and I’m back at my desk at DC Designs.
The bullpen is currently quiet because it’s lunchtime and most of my colleagues stepped out to get something to eat. Carlan is locked away in his office and had been all morning. I’ve been waiting for him to emerge so I can talk to him about my promotion. The one he guaranteed I’d get, along with my new office, as long as I impressed the Gladstone Group. Which I did. Well, Kiki and Lewis and I did.
I haven’t heard a peep about it since we got back.
Across our shared desk, Kiki swivels side to side in her ergonomic chair as she talks to Dal on the phone. “No, you’re wonderful.” She smiles at me when she catches my attention, toys with the gold chain around her neck that Dal bought her to celebrate her arrival home. She chews her thumbnail. “I love you too.”
I focus on the digital mood board on my laptop screen. It’s for billionaire Emma Westbrook’s waterfront mansion. The twenty-six year old creator and co-owner of the trendy health and yoga spa chain, Dirty Resorts had her brother and his crew build the lakefront dwelling and we’re going to turn it into her sanctuary where she and her soon-to-be-husband can retreat from the world.
“Are you sure?” Kiki stops swinging. Sits up straighter. “You want me to move in with you?”
I peer at the screen, but honestly, I couldn’t say what’s on it. Dal wants her to move in with him. I can’t even get Vale to say he wants to be my boyfriend. Because there’s a good chance he’s still in love with his ex. Hud confirmed my suspicions the night he came to Vale’s apartment. He asked point blank if Vale was struggling with the fact that Jessa is marrying Ryder and Vale didn’t refute it.
It bothers me more than I like, but I haven’t brought it up because I was kind of eavesdropping.
“Of course I will.” Kiki practically sobs with joy. “I’ll move in with you. I’m so excited. I love you so much.”
I’m so happy for Kiki. This is awesome news, and Dal is such a sweetheart. I rub my temples as the tightness in my jaw starts to make them throb.
She finally hangs up. Her grin splits her face before she squeals and does a happy dance right in her chair. “Did you hear? Dal asked me to move in with him.”
“That’s awesome, Keeks. I’m so happy for you.” I truly am. I’m not jealous, I’m just… I shake off the ugh sensation that’s trying to settle over me. I don’t want Vale to ask me to move in with him. It’s only been a couple of months. We’re new. I should be enjoying it for what it is and not worrying about the fact that despite how long we’ve known each other he still hasn’t chosen me.
Although if he asked I would totally say yes. I’m already planning out the best use of the space in his closet to fit both our stuff. “We should celebrate. Lunch is on me.”
She stands and stretches. “Where are you thinking?”
“That burger bar down the street. We haven’t been there yet, but every time I walk past, the aroma coming from inside is divine.”
“I could devour a burger and fries,” she says.
“Okay. Should we invite Lewis? I think his crew is working only a couple of blocks away.”
“I’ll text him,” she says.
I gather my purse and check my own messages.
Cap’N Crunch: Wanna know what I keep thinking about?
Violet Queen: Lay it on me, big boy. I’m eager and waiting.
Cap’N Crunch: Damn, pretty girl. You make it HARD for me when I’m at work and you say things like that. Pun intended.
Violet Queen: So what were you thinking about?
Cap’N Crunch: Naked Twister. Last night was…
Violet Queen: Flexible!
Cap’N Crunch: That’s one way of putting it! Are you going to swing by the bar tonight?
Violet Queen: Is Hud working?
Cap’N Crunch: He’s here now, creating a general nuisance of himself. I’m going to put him to work for a bit since he’s not rostered on tonight.
“He’s already eaten,” she says. “Suggested drinks Saturday night. Are you up for it?”