Page 16 of Playing for Keeps

“Mr. Parker,” he said, stopping the conversation around him and causing those who weren't looking at us to turn and stare. “What brings His Highness down from the lofty heights of greatness to mingle with us commoners?”

Aaron smirked at the man. “Craigson, you bastard, how ya been?” He leaned forward and they shook hands.

“Good,” Craigson responded. “Just living the dream.”

“Aren't we all?”

Craigson turned his dark eyes to me. He pursed his lips as he dragged his gaze down my body before he glanced up to Aaron.

“So what brings you here?” he asked.

“Just dropping off your new employee,” Aaron said, turning his attention to me. He pulled me forward without releasing my hand, and it dawned on me at that second that I was still clutching him as he dragged me across the room. He released my hand after pulling me in front of him, then placed both his hands on my shoulders and pushed me forward like he was offering me up for sacrifice. “Rhys Craigson, meet Jen Lucas.”

My new boss was quiet a moment, eyeing me with his lips pursed. Without a word, he glanced at the fancy watch on his wrist.

Aaron pulled me back toward him and cleared his throat. Craigson narrowed his eyes at Aaron, but gave a quick nod. I tried to turn around, to figure out what was going on in the silent conversation taking place over my head, but Aaron’s hands slid down my arms, and he whispered in my ear, “Come with me.”

Aaron pushed me forward. The crowd parted as my boss led the way to one of the nearby offices. Cream-colored vertical blinds hung closed over the glass window that made up most of the wall beside the door. Gray walls were adorned by a motivational poster of an eagle flying in front of a snow-capped mountain and a framed CPA license, but nothing else. Aaron’s hand grazed my lower back when he released me to shut the door behind us.

Craigson was already sitting at his thick wooden desk, and he didn’t wait for me to sit before he spoke, “You’re late, Miss Lucas.”

“Not her fault,” Aaron responded before I could open my mouth. He guided me to one of the chairs in front of the desk and took a seat beside me. “I found Jen walking in the rain, completely soaked. When I learned she worked here, I dragged her downstairs to the locker room. I didn't figure she needed to be walking around wet all day.”

The corners of Craigson’s lips turned up as he kept his eyes locked on Aaron. The strange silence between them was almost as uncomfortable as the fact that they both acted like I wasn’t even in the room. Unwilling to let my first day go any further south, I cleared my throat.

“I'm sorry I’m late, Mr. Craigson, it won't happen again.”

Beside me, Aaron laughed. He tugged a strand of my hair as he shook his head.

“Let’s drop the formality, shall we?” Aaron looked back at the other man, a strange smile on his face. “Rhys, this is Jen. Jen, your boss, Rhys.”

“Nice to meet you, Jen,” Rhys said to me.

I nodded, but again Aaron spoke before I could say a word.

“Jen is Kelly O’Connor’s good friend and roommate,” he said as he leaned back in his chair and crossed his legs wide. “And, if you don't mind me saying, as close to celebrity as we’re likely to get in this world.”

“Really?” Rhys’ eyes flashed between us. “How’s that?”

Both men watched me, and it took a moment before I realized they’re waiting for me to respond. I scowled at Aaron, but he just smirked at me.

“My brother is a baseball player,” I offered, glancing back to Rhys.

“The Corey Lucas,” Aaron interjected. “You know the one that was shot last year? Getting married to Marco Leonetti’s niece?”

Recognition flared in Rhys’ eyes, and I grimaced and sat up straighter in my chair.

“I’d rather that not get out.”

“Jen’s her own woman,” Aaron said, running his hand across my shoulders. “Wants to make a name for herself, don't you?”

With a nod, I turned my gaze back to my boss. “I don't want to be known for my brother’s success. I’ve come here to work hard and do the job I was hired to do.”

“I have no doubt you’ll do just that,” Rhys told me. He looked back at Aaron and jerked his chin toward the door. “You best be getting on, Mr. Bigwig. I’m sure you’ve got some upper management meeting you’re needed at.”

Aaron grabbed the tie around his neck and pulled it up like a noose, sticking his tongue out and collapsing back in his chair. He laughed as he righted himself, then buttoned his collar as he turned to me. I tried to suppress the laughter I felt bubbling up inside of me. Laughter that Rhys didn’t try to hide.

“Have a good first day, drowned rat. Welcome to Guardian Group.”