Hayden (A Next Generation Carter Brother #4) - Lisa Helen Gray Page 0,43
help Chrissy, I messed up her filing system and she went nuts. It took her weeks to put it back. It wasn’t my first fuck up, either, which is why I never get called if someone needs a helping hand in the office.
“I’ll explain in the car.”
Anger rolls off him as he continues to glare at Reid, unable to look at me. If he thinks he can blag a blagger, he’s wrong. Right now, he’s full of shit. He reeks of it. And unless he explains himself, I’m not going anywhere.
“Well, unless you can tell me what is so important, I’m staying and finishing my date.”
I manage to push my chair forward and silently gesture for Reid to give me the cake he promised.
He cocks an eyebrow, his lips twisting together in amusement as he holds a bite out to me. I moan around the fork, sensually sliding my lips off the prongs. It tastes better than the sticky pudding, that’s for sure.
“That’s it,” Clayton snaps, pulling my chair back out again. “You’re embarrassing yourself.”
It’s like a bucket of ice water has been thrown over me. His words cut deep, cooling me to the core.
I straighten in my chair, my focus solely on Reid as I try to make sense of the emotions trying to push through the anger. I’m hurt, embarrassed, but mostly, I’m fucking pissed.
Reid winks, crossing his arms over his chest as he kicks back, acting like he’s sitting in front of a game.
“Excuse me,” I whisper, deadly and stern, as I throw my serviette onto the table and stand.
“This is over. We aren’t doing this anymore. We can find another way to help with Date Night.”
Slowly, I face him, feeling my blood boil as it shoots through my veins. “I didn’t want to do this in the first place. I practically begged you not to. But I did. For your company. And yet, I’m the one being an embarrassment? I’m not the one who is making a scene.”
“Surprising,” Reid mutters.
I glare at him. “Shut up.”
“Why are you still here?” Clayton snaps, before addressing me. “You were right. I shouldn’t have made you do this. But really, this guy? He hasn’t even defended you.”
“If she were anyone else, I’d have punched you already for being a dickhead, but you’ve got enough on your hands with her right now. You just made a huge mistake,” Reid tells him, pushing up from his chair. “I’m going, but call me if you need me.”
“She won’t,” Clayton snaps.
Reid stares him down before shaking his head in pity.
“I’ll see you soon, Hayden. Unless you’d like a lift home?”
I go to take him up on the offer, wanting to get away from this situation. I mean, how dare he speak to me like this. I’ve done nothing but my job here.
“I’ve got her,” Clayton assures him harshly.
Reid ignores him, pointedly waiting for me to answer.
“Let me get my coat.”
Clayton grasps my arms, not tight, yet he’s not being gentle either. “Hayden, please.”
I close my eyes at the desperation in his voice. I want to knee him in the balls, but something in the way he pleads… it calls to me. Something tells me it’s something he doesn’t do often.
I don’t look away from Reid, searching his face like he’s got an answer for me. But he does nothing but wait, not giving me anything.
I’m torn.
“Hayden, please, let me drive you home.”
I decide to stay, only to give him hell and to get answers.
“I’m fine. You can go, Reid.” I don’t wait for him to leave before turning to Clayton and poking him in the chest. “This might be a work thing, but I’m not on the clock right now. And even if I was, it gives you no right to speak to me that way, you prick. I’ll wait outside for you,” I snap, spinning on my heels.
The waitress from earlier stands near the podium, trying her hardest to avoid eye contact. She probably heard the entire thing.
As I get closer, I notice the flush to her cheeks and snort to myself. Reid clearly chatted her up on his way out.
“Enjoy the rest of your evening,” she comments, her voice quivering.
“Yeah,” I reply snidely, curling my lip. “I’m sure I will.”
I snatch my coat, my temper flaring the more I replay Clayton’s words and actions in my head.
The bitter cold wind slaps my face as I storm into the dimly lit car park. My heel catches on some ice and my heart races.