“Colton, Drew Varney is harmful. I don’t know what to do on this scenario, however he wants eradicated from Dalton Trucking and our lives for good.”

“Harmful? What the hell do you imply? I believed you didn’t know him?”

Shit. How one can cowl my tracks after that epic screw up? I chew down on my lip and assume for a second, however earlier than I can say something, Colton speaks up once more.

“Child, you’re hidin’ one thing. You’re bitin’ that rattling lip, which is a tell-tale signal that you just’re nervous. Simply what precisely is it? And don’t misinform me, as a result of I at all times determine you out.”

“I’ve researched him. Your dad stated I have to know who my rivals are, so I seemed into him. He’s not the proper frat boy he’s delay to be.” I don’t lie, however I don’t inform the complete reality both.

Colton stares at me with questioning eyes for a beat. “Like what, how harmful?”

“Take a look at his observe report as CEO, Colton. Take a look at the MSHA violations, the security points, and accidents his miners have sustained. It’s all in black and white. Public Document, all ya gotta do is Google him,” I reply, shrugging.

“I’ve been right here since 4 a.m.. Nightshift was shit, and I’m finished with this present day. I’m gonna take off. I’ll discuss to Dad when he will get in tonight and see what else is goin’ on.”

“Wait, what occurred with nightshift?”

“Nothin’ occurred; I’m simply drained from bein’ right here half the rattling night time and all rattling mornin’.”

He stands tall earlier than me and tucks my hair behind my ear. Trailing his fingers softly down my cheek, he seems to be longingly into my eyes earlier than giving me his signature wink and smirk.

“Name me if ya want something, darlin’,” he whispers, kissing my brow.

My breath hitches at his shut contact and the very essence of his scent. Inhaling deeply, I attempt to breathe him in earlier than his scent is misplaced within the air. Colton activates his ft and stomps closely out of my workplace.

Chapter 25

Carly

After shredding aside each submitting cupboard in my workplace, I nonetheless can’t find the Simon Vitality/Dalton Trucking Contract. The partitions of my workplace are slowly closing in on me, trapping me in a gradual, asphyxiating demise. Earlier than my thoughts cracks additional, I seize my issues and take off for the day. I depart strict directions with Shelly that I’m to be known as the second the contract is discovered, and no person is to enter my workplace underneath any circumstances. I’m leaving recordsdata scattered about in a multitude, and I don’t want any extra sticky fingers misplacing necessary paperwork.

It’s simply after three o’clock after I depart, and for the reason that day has been so hectic, I determine to swing by The Village Diner to choose up a fast dinner. From there, I plan to go residence, strip these filthy soot-covered garments from my physique, and climb right into a sizzling bubble bathtub, the place my Kindle and my newest ebook boyfriend can be ready for me.

Pulling into the diner, I hurry inside to position my order. I sit on the bar and await the grill grasp to throw collectively my greasy bacon cheeseburger and salty fries. Oh, don’t overlook that slice of peanut butter fudge cheesecake, ’trigger we all know I ain’t coming to The Village Diner with out indulging in a slice of that pure sin. Moreover, I’ve had a protracted day, and so they take away the energy in all of the meals right here on the diner.

I’m listening to the mushy music filtering by means of the sound system after I really feel a metal hand lay upon my shoulder. Startled by the electrifying pulse that surges by means of me, I bounce on the contact. Whipping my head to my proper, I see Luke with that melt-my-panties-right-off-my-ass smile of his. Clearly peanut butter fudge cheesecake ain’t the one pure sin in The Village Diner at this time.

“What’cha so jumpy for, doll face?”

“Didn’t anticipate to see you right here. I didn’t see your bike within the lot.”

“So that you have been lookin’ for my bike, huh?”

I roll my eyes, huff at him loudly, and say, “Honey, don’t you would like.”

“Hell yeah I do,” Luke says, transferring nearer to me. I can really feel his warmth from my toes to the highest of my head. I really feel like I’m actually burning from the underside up.

“Awfully cocky now, ain’t ya?” Luke chuckles softly at my remark, however his stature by no means falters. He stands with confidence, inching in nearer and nearer by the second. “Not cocky, beauts, simply assured,” he replies, then sits on the barstool subsequent to me.

“Do you simply randomly hang around right here?” I ask.

“Generally. Do you simply randomly skip work to come back get peanut butter fudge cheesecake?”

I roll my eyes but once more. Rattling, every part is getting underneath my pores and skin at this time. I’ll have to barricade myself in my home and let nobody in till I calm my tattered nerves. Ya know, take no hostages. If that’s the case, I’m positive as hell gonna want greater than only a slice of pie. Can I get an entire pie to go please?

I take a deep breath earlier than turning to Luke and searching into his blue eyes. “Two issues. I’m the frickin’ CEO. I’ll depart that shithole any rattling time I please. Hell, I’m ’bout to run and by no means look again. And two, I’ll run to the rattling ends of the earth for some peanut butter fudge cheesecake, and you’ll consider that, honey.”

I movement for Mitzi to refill my tea and ask her how for much longer the to-go order can be. Luke huffs, pulling my consideration again to him. He seems to be down at me, his face void of emotion. During the last month or so, we have now develop into nearer pals, studying extra about one another. However with every interplay, Luke will get nearer—friendlier. He should sense that I’m fraying on the edges. I can inform he’s deciding on whether or not to proceed with warning or bolt. Luke grabs the bottom of the barstool I’m sitting on with one robust hand and pulls me towards him.

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