Code Name: Ghost - Sawyer Bennett Page 0,23

I think it’s adorable he truly likes this woman, and he isn’t quite sure how to rectify the situation. It’s kind of fun to watch him stumble around while trying to figure it out.”

“Seems stressful to me,” Malik murmurs, but I don’t have time to respond as we reach the table.

Cage makes the introductions between us and Jaime, who is beyond gorgeous with vivid red hair cascading down her shoulders, pale blue eyes, and delicate facial bones. She’s willowy and graceful as she stands to shake our hands.

Malik and I are merely introduced as friends of Cage’s as we take the two chairs opposite.

Cage had already ordered a pitcher of beer. Once glasses are poured and passed out, the conversation is remarkably light and fluid. It’s nice to come out to enjoy a few beers without having to worry about breastfeeding Avery tonight. I pumped enough milk to keep her happy, and my mom is going to keep her overnight.

I spend this little bit of precious time with Cage’s new woman, peppering questions her way so I can learn more about her. More importantly, I try to keep her from asking too many questions of her own that would put me in a position to have to lie. While I don’t mind helping Cage out tonight, if this ends up being something that could go the distance, I don’t want her hating me for my part in the deception.

It only took to the bottom of my first beer to determine I like Jaime a lot. I can tell Cage really does, too. She’s not only beautiful, but she’s smart, charming, humble, and genuine. Definitely about a hundred steps up from the bimbos he normally hooks up with.

My next opportunity to have a private conversation with Cage, I’m going to demand he get his head out of his ass and tell her the truth. This is especially important because I can tell Jaime likes Cage a great deal right back. Who knows, this could be true love in the making.

Jaime takes a sip of her beer, smiling over the edge. When she sets it back down, she levels a finger, moving it back and forth between Malik and me. “So how long have you two been dating?”

I jerk, whipping my head to the left to look at Malik, then back to Jaime. “Oh… we’re not dating.”

Jaime’s gaze moves to Malik, who shakes his head. “Nope. Not dating.”

“Really?” Jaime asks, completely amazed. “I could have sworn you were because when you talk, he’s totally absorbed in what you’re saying and vice versa. It’s a shame. You two would make a beautiful couple.”

“Nope, not dating at all,” I confirm quickly and perhaps a bit too shrilly. “Just friends.”

Laughing, Jaime nudges Cage in the ribs, giving him a knowing look before turning her attention to me. “Oh, someone doth protest just a little too much.”

And, in that moment, I don’t like her anymore because she’s shining a spotlight down on me. She’s calling out every inappropriate feeling I’ve had about Malik over the last week since he’s been back.

I mean, nothing awfully inappropriate, but I definitely feel close to him. There’s a bond because of shared losses. And he’s a gorgeous man, which I’ve noticed a time or two, and I absolutely have no right to be doing that.

At that moment, Cage gallantly intervenes, perhaps reading the unease in my posture. His arm goes around Jaime, and he pulls her into him, “No, seriously, babe… they’re really just friends.”

Not sure if she just has the personality of a dog with a bone that won’t give something up, or she’s an eternally optimistic romantic, but she glances between Malik and me with a soft smile. “Oh, but why not? You two are clearly great friends, and you do look beautiful together—”

I’m not sure what my expression says—or Malik’s for that matter since I don’t dare look at him, but Jaime abruptly cuts off her words, contrition and worry crossing her face. “Oh God… I’m sorry. I totally overstepped my bounds. Said something awfully rude, didn’t I? I didn’t mean to hurt anyone’s feelings. I’m just such a romantic. Sometimes, I see things that aren’t there, I think.”

I glance over at Cage, who shrugs, then get the guts up to peek at Malik, who stares back with a sorrowful smile before his attention goes to Cage.

“Shit,” Jaime exclaims, ducking her head in apology. “I said something really bad, didn’t I? Totally stuck my foot in my