Trade It All(22)

Dax frowned. “How the hell did she get by your security?”

Lance grimaced. “I never needed that much. I’m an architect. I don’t have enemies.”

When Dax arched an eyebrow, Lance added, “No offense.”

“None taken,” Dax said easily. “I assume you’ll be making major changes.”

“I’m having IDs checked and looking into what happened with the video cameras.”

“That’s not enough. I’ll make a few calls,” Dax said firmly.

“That won’t be necessary,” Lance countered.

“I disagree,” Dax said, sounding uncomfortably similar to Lance’s older brothers. He took out a phone and sent a text.

Lance almost told Dax where he could shove his phone then he saw his sister reach for her fiancé’s hand and thank him. She’d found someone who truly made her happy. For her, he’d put his irritation aside.

Sounding as if he was repeating his question, Clay asked, “What’s in the journal?”

Lance shrugged. “Kenzi read more of it than I did.”

Kenzi’s expression turned apologetic. “I didn’t get through much.” She looked at Dax, her eyes glowing in a way that made Lance look away. “I’ve been busy.”

He turned his attention to his future brother-in-law. “Did you find anything, Dax?”

Although he didn’t answer, the look he gave Lance said, “Are you fucking serious?”

“What happened to all of us reading it?” Even as Lance voiced his complaint, he knew he couldn’t blame them. He hadn’t been able to get past the third page.

“I’ll look at it if you want,” Willa interjected. “I love to read.”

Lance’s eyes flew to hers. He was wise enough to know that sometimes life handed a person an opportunity. He wouldn’t have become successful in his career if he didn’t recognize and capitalize on them. “Perfect. It’s in my office. Why don’t I drop by your place tonight? We can look it over together.”

Willa opened her mouth to say something, then shut it. He could tell she wanted to retract her offer, but Kenzi was already thanking her. “No need to go out of your way. I can pick it up on my way to work tomorrow.” She turned to Clay. “Did you want me to start tomorrow?”

“Sure,” Clay said with a flash of a smile. “How about noon?”

“Noon? Really? Where should I meet you?” Willa asked, looking confused.

“At my hotel. You could come earlier, but I’ll still be in bed.” He winked.

That’s it. Lance’s hand clenched into fists. Between gritted teeth he said, “Since you’ll be consulting on my project, Clay, we should all meet at my office. I’ll go over the plans with you before we tour the proposed buildings.”

With a lift and drop of a shoulder, Clay answered in a bored tone, “Sounds tedious, but I did agree to help you.”

In the same authoritative voice he’d used earlier, Dax said, “You’ll need a base in Boston, Clay. I have several empty offices in my building. Conduct the rest of your business there.” His tone had a warning edge to it.

Clay agreed with an amused nod.

Lance looked back and forth between the two men. Did Dax know his friend was a douche? If so, why had he allowed Clay to offer her a job in the first place?

Kenzi was staring up at Dax with blatant adoration. He appeared just as smitten with her. It was a bit much to stomach.

Lance glanced at Willa and lost his train of thought when their eyes met. There was a spark of something in her eyes that he hadn’t seen in a long time. Desire? Excitement?

He couldn’t say or do much while they had an audience.

But they wouldn’t the next morning.





Chapter Six




The next morning, a half-dressed Willa stood in the hallway of her apartment, wavering between her bedroom and Lexi’s. Lexi hadn’t come home the night before, but she’d texted that she was staying at Tessa’s apartment. Willa had responded that she’d taken the job with Clay. Lexi had sent back a thumbs-up. It wasn’t a fulfilling exchange, but at least they were talking.

She hadn’t said anything about seeing Lance that morning. He was still too volatile a subject with them. It was killing Willa to not be able to ask Kenzi for her advice, either. Willa had other friends, but none as close. None she would call before work and ask something like this.

What do I wear on my first day of work at a job without a clear description? And to see Lance? I shouldn’t care what he thinks of how I look.

But I do.

She thought about the comment Clay had made about giving her a wardrobe budget and sighed. She headed into Lexi’s room. She does have excellent taste.