He blushes further. “Okay, now I’m just digging myself a hole.” He laughs uncomfortably. “It’s just nice to see a cheerful face around here again.”
“Thank you.” I smile, and he returns it, his steel blue eyes twinkling. “I’d better be going.”
“Sure. I’ll catch you later.” He backs away before turning and strolling off casually, back to his desk. I need to get my backside in gear. It’s my first day back, and I’m going to be late. I need to be in Patrick’s good books today.
I don’t even falter in my steps when I emerge from Lusso and see John waiting for me. He doesn’t shrug apologetically like he usually would, either. I had fully expected this. “How are you, John?” It’s good to see him again. I’ve missed the big friendly guy.
“’S’all good, girl.”
I jump in and secure myself with the seatbelt, watching as John takes his seat beside me on a frown.
“You’re not going to kick up a stink today?” he asks, his voice plagued with laughter.
“I think I’d be signing my own death warrant if I did,” I answer dryly.
John laughs, shifting his big body in the seat before starting his Ranger Rover up. “I’m glad. I was under strict instructions to manhandle you with optimum care if you resisted.” He looks across at me through his black wraparounds. “I didn’t want to resort to that, girl.”
I grin at him. “So are you my assigned bodyguard now, then?” I know if there was anyone else Jesse would trust me to, it would be John.
“If it keeps that motherfucker happy, I’ll do whatever he wants.” John swings out of the car park. “Are you and the babies okay?” He keeps his eyes on the road.
“Yes, but now there are three of us for Jesse to get his knickers in a twist over.”
“Crazy motherfucker.” He laughs, revealing his gold tooth. “How are you feeling?”
“Do you mean being pregnant, or after the accident?” I keep my eyes on him, gauging his reaction. I want to know if there have been any developments since we’ve been away.
“Both, girl.”
“Fine, on both counts, thank you. Any news on Jesse’s car?” I sweep straight in. I’m comfortable enough with John to ask what I want.
“Nothing for you to worry about, girl,” he answers coolly. I might be comfortable enough to ask, but I need to remember that John is also comfortable enough to brush me off. “How was Paradise?” he asks in a blatant change-of-subject tactic.
“It was paradise,” I muse. “Until we bumped into Jesse’s parents.” I’m not sure if I should be divulging this, but I’ve said it now and judging by the look that’s just flashed across the ever-cool giant’s face, I’ve shocked him. I nod my head, confirming that he heard me right, and his shiny forehead wrinkles above his shades. “Amalie’s wedding got postponed because Jesse’s dad had a heart attack,” I continue. John must be aware of the wedding, the invite, and Jesse’s parents living near to Paradise. He’s been around forever, according to Jesse.
“Henry had a heart attack?” he asks, surprised. “And what went down?”
“What went down?”
“Yes, did they speak? How was Jesse?” John sounds really curious, which is pricking at my own curiosity.
I spill it all while he drives me to work and when I’m done, he nods his head thoughtfully.
“Was that it?” he asks.
“Yes, I got him away from her. He was so upset.”
“And afterward, he didn’t drink?”
“No.” I sigh. “But I have a feeling he would have, had I not been there.” I keep seeing his face, the face that resulted in binge drinking and whippings. “Did you know them?”
“Not really. I don’t ask questions.”
I’m nodding to myself. I know John has been around forever, and he was Carmichael’s best friend, so he must know more than he’s letting on. “How’s Sarah?”
He shifts and turns that menacing face to mine. “Better than she was.”
I wilt in my seat. I have nothing to say to that, so I shut up, unwrap my bagel, and let John drive me the rest of the way in silence.
I audibly sigh when John pulls up at the curb. “What’s up, girl?”
I gather my bag and exit the car before I can convince John to drive me to The Manor. “It’s time to advise my boss of a certain Danish client.”
“Oh,” he says slowly. “Good luck.”
I think I actually blow the sarcastic sod a raspberry. “Yeah, thanks, John,” I quip, slamming the door and hearing that deep baritone laugh getting quieter as the car door comes between us. I take a deep breath of confidence and stride into my office. Tom’s screech is the first thing I hear. “Oh my God! Ava!”