Claiming Her - Tory Baker Page 0,19

may have to. This guy is pretty easy going and only needs security when there’s a concert in town.”

“Leo can always handle it, but this goes to show me we need more bodies around this office. Nighthawk is only going to continue to flourish.” That hard on I had moments ago is all but gone thinking about Drake and him potentially having another impending surgery. I’m not upset he’ll be out; it’s the fact that he’s just now telling me about it.

“You’re not lying. Can’t believe it’s been three years, and our size and net worth could have us retiring if we wanted to.”

“Don’t go getting ideas in your head,” I grumble.

“I’m just saying, it could happen.”

“Get out of here. I’ll be out in a few minutes.” I watch as Drake turns around and leaves. My hands find the base of the back of my neck; tension is kicking my ass like a motherfucker this week.

I wrap up my email before texting Taylor.

Me: Stopping by your place today to scope things out. Do you need anything while I’m there?

Taylor: Yes, but how are you going to get in without a key?

I smile to myself; I haven’t even explained to her just how I got her key; I smirk because my girl will give me hell when I explain it to her later this evening.

Me: I have my ways. Text me your list.

Taylor: Sure, I’m going to need more clothes. I don’t really mind what you pick, but I need more bras and panties… Slade, do not go through my drawers like I’m sure you already have… you sneaky shit!

Me: Who, me?

Taylor: I’m not dumb. How long have you had my house key?

I don’t bother replying to her text. If she knew, she’d kick my ass from here to Florida. Instead, I close down my computer, walk out of my office, and head for Drake.

“That’s not a problem. I’ll get that handled today and text you the information when I have the meeting rescheduled,” I hear Kellie say to him.

“Thank you. Have a good day in case Slade and I don’t make it back in today. Knowing that slacker, he’ll take a separate vehicle and pick up Taylor as soon as she’s free.” I hear the laughter in his tone. He’s not wrong either.

“Thanks, Kellie. He’s probably right. Lock up at four-thirty if no one is here. You’ll still get paid your full day, but there’s no reason for you to sit around doing nothing.” I knock on the desk with my knuckles, grab my keys, and head to my car.

“You coming?” I ask Drake.

“Yeah, I’m assuming we’re taking separate vehicles?”

“Yep. Plus, Taylor needs more clothes, I’m pretty sure my truck will be slapped full of her shit afterwards.” I push the door open.

“Do you think that’s a good idea right now with her would-be-stalker on the loose and no leads right now?”

“Probably not, but this might ramp things up too. I’m getting sick of Taylor feeling like she has to look over her shoulder.” I grunt, and Drake nods his head. “You coming up with some kind of plan in that overworked head of yours?”

“Maybe. Let me get through this appointment, and we can reconvene on Monday?” he offers.

“That’ll work. It’s not like we have any plans,” we agree, the both of us walking to separate vehicles before we head to Taylor’s condo.

Fourteen

Taylor

“You have something you want to tell me?” Slade asks as we walk into the house. I have no idea what he’s talking about. “What?”

“I had to go through your drawers at your house today, packed up more clothes, but imagine my surprise when I stumbled upon a certain drawer.”

My face is flaming ass hot with embarrassment. “Tell me you didn’t, Slade Arnold Chavez! None of my clothes were in the nightstand drawer. I can’t believe you went through it.” My hair was up in a chignon for work, but I’m taking it down, allowing it to hang past my shoulders, raking my fingers through what I’m sure is now a mess.

“Who told you my middle name?” he asks while he prowls toward me. I back up until my back meets the dresser.

“I’ll never tell, but would you like to tell me how you got a key to my house?” I volley back. Slade doesn’t back away, though; he doesn’t even look remorseful.

“I’ve had your key for years, almost as long as I’ve been watching you. I obviously wasn’t watching you close enough or you wouldn’t have some