Teddy Spenser Isn't Looking for Love - Kim Fielding Page 0,14

okay. I think the design will work with a lot of different decorative styles.” He took another look at the image. “Hmm. The probe’s still kind of ugly.”

“Maybe we can frost the glass. But how much are these changes going to increase the price?”

That was the big question, wasn’t it? “Dunno. Let’s ask Imani.”

They bounced against each other in the doorway, trying to get through at the same time, but Teddy did a little duck and feint move that got him out first.

Imani watched apprehensively as they marched toward her cubicle. “I’m not refereeing. You’re both grown men—you work it out.”

“I think we already did,” Teddy said proudly. “We need you to check the numbers for us.”

That surprised her for sure, but she turned down her music and held her hand out for the tablet. “Show me what you got.”

Although Romeo obeyed, he was frowning. “It’s late. This can wait until morning.”

But she stared at the screen and waved dismissively. “I got this. Go home.”

Teddy felt a little guilty as he wound the scarf around his neck and zipped up his parka, but by then Chick Webb and Ella Fitzgerald were in full swing and Imani was engrossed in her screens.

Romeo and Teddy walked down the stairs together, Teddy hefting his scooter. There was an awkward little moment when they reached the building’s exit, and for one or two heartbeats, Teddy thought Romeo might propose they find some dinner together.

But then Romeo sniffed and shoved a knit cap over his head. “See you tomorrow.”

“Yeah. You too.”

That witty bit of repartee echoed in Teddy’s head for the entire journey home.

Chapter Five

Teddy’s morning was more fraught than usual, in part because he’d slept poorly. He woke up crusty eyed and fuzzy headed, and the previous night’s burger and fries still sat heavily in his stomach. Getting ready for work took enormous effort. For once, he didn’t even enjoy surveying his closet. He would have rather remained home in sweats and fuzzy slippers.

But he got dressed in his usual February layers and braved the great outdoors, where the sky was the color of dirty washing machine water and the pedestrians seemed determined to wander directly into Teddy’s path. He had a dozen near collisions before reaching the office, breathless and even more out of sorts than when he’d begun.

As he lugged the scooter up the stairs—which seemed steeper and more numerous than usual—he tried to figure out why he was in such a crappy mood. Sure, he was nervous to find out what Imani had to say, but at least he and Romeo had come up with a potential solution. That was a lot more hopeful than if they’d struck out completely—or come to blows. Especially since Teddy hadn’t been in a physical fight since Jennifer Murray punched him on the swing.

When Teddy reached the Reddyflora suite, the main room was unoccupied. But Lauren’s door was closed, which probably meant she and Imani were in conference. After removing his outerwear he dithered for a bit—starting up some coffee, booting up his computer, straightening a few items on his desk. He was tempted to peek inside the box at the little charm, but he resisted, instead sitting and staring at nothing while humming tunes from Dear Evan Hansen.

He greeted other employees as they arrived but didn’t engage in his usual chitchat. You’re lollygagging, he accused himself, but the admonition didn’t help.

Finally Romeo appeared, and he and Teddy had a brief conversation from across the room, made up entirely of hand gestures and facial expressions. Romeo clearly got the gist of it—meeting in progress; no news yet. He nodded and hurried into his office.

Imani emerged ten minutes later, papers clutched in her hands. She headed straight to Teddy’s cubicle. “Lauren wants to see you and Romeo.”

An elastic band tightened around Teddy’s chest. “Now?”

“Yep.”

He couldn’t read anything from her expression. She was probably an excellent poker player.

“Imani, I’m going to die right this second if you don’t tell me whether it’s going to work. Die. And you will be held personally responsible.”

“I’ll get off the hook,” she said with a shrug. “My girlfriend’s a lawyer.” But then she smiled and gave his shoulder a quick squeeze. “It’s going to work.”

The elastic band evaporated, leaving Teddy almost dizzy with newfound oxygen. “Oh, thank God.”

“Nah. Thank me. Now go talk to Lauren.” She headed toward Romeo’s office.

Today Lauren wore a gray suit and shell-pink camisole, and she would have looked as chic as always except her bun