Page 55 of The Nowhere Witch
Zab walked over with a book and flipped it open, pointing to different lines. “Every transaction has to be logged into this book and then signed off here by the broker who negotiated the work.” He pointed to a column and then another. “And then the agent who performed the work goes here.”
“How do I know who to call for a job?”
“Musso and I will help you get going. You’ll get to know your regulars after a while, and it gets easier. You start learning who’s good in what situation and such.” He shut the book and left it on my desk.
“And who’s going to screw it all up,” Musso added from his side of the room.
Hawk walked in from the back. His gaze ran the length of me. Hawk always seemed to know where I was in a room, but this time his eyes seemed to get stuck on me. And then mine got stuck on him because he wouldn’t unstick his. This was why I didn’t wearlook at meclothes. Now he was looking at me. Worse, Ilikedit.
I walked into the back room and poured a cup of tea. It took me two minutes to own up to the fact that I’d run and hidden. Yes, I’d wanted tea, but the urge had come on suddenly, along with the running urge.
I don’t run anymore.Except apparently I did.
Hawk followed me in a couple of minutes later.
I refused to leave this room until after he did. I was not going to run and hide again, even if I had to stand in the back room all day.
He walked over by the tea station I’d just departed, making himself something. He wasn’t outright looking at me, and I wasn’t staring at him point-blank, and yet it felt like we were still locked in a gaze. Something had to be done. It felt like boundaries were about to be crossed.
“Did you have something to do with the black cloud? It was suspiciously gone right after you hired me.”
Now I wasn’t hiding. I was fighting instead. Definite improvement. This was a man to have boundaries with, and I needed to keep us squarely on separate sides.
“No, I didn’t. Don’t you have a new job to do? I do believe we have a contract of employment, and I have to say, you don’t appear to be working that hard.” He turned, looking at me over his cup of coffee as he leaned on the table behind him. He leaned because he didn’t run. That was what non-runners looked like.
“Just look me in the eyes and tell me you had nothing to do with the black cloud.” I leaned against the couch, like a non-runner.
“I believe I already answered that.”
Oscar walked in the back door. It was like the guy had an aversion to the front entrance.
“Heard there was a new broker in town,” he said as he walked over and leaned on the other couch, giving me a once-, twice-, thrice-over. “You really upped your game for the new job, huh? Very nice indeed. So, what are you doing later on tonight? Want to go for a drink to celebrate your new position and maybe discover a couple other new positions while we’re at it?” Oscar was smiling. How had I not realized what a playboy he was the first time I’d met him? Or the second time? It could’ve been tattooed on his forehead and not been any clearer than his come-hither smile and the twinkle in his eye that promised a good, long night, or a short, rough ride, depending on your preference. He was definitely looking to please as long as you didn’t plan on overstaying your welcome.
And why was it that Oscar was eyeballing me and there was no desire to run and hide or beat him with my fists? All I wanted to do with him was laugh. Now why was that?
“She’s not free,” Hawk said, clearly telling Oscar to back off.
“Oh yeah, that’s right. I heard you had plans with Gregor tonight. So the rumors are true? Didn’t think he’d be your type for some reason.”
I didn’t know what rumors were circulating, but it was easy enough to guess. If Hawk wasn’t standing there looking at me like he owned me, I might’ve elaborated on our situation or lack thereof. I could’ve told Oscar that Gregor was just a friend. But what fun would that be when Hawk was staring at me the way he was?
“Gregor is a nice guy. Why wouldn’t he be my type?”
I focused all my attention on Oscar, refusing to look at Hawk, afraid I’d crumble and tell him it wasn’t true. If Hawk didn’t approve of Gregor, all the more reason to go out with him.
Oscar shrugged. “I don’t know. He seemstoonice, like in a ‘strip the fudge off a sundae’ kind of way. I always pictured you as a ‘rocky road, double caramel, loaded with whip, a handful of nuts and cherries’ kind of gal. You know, no holds barred, no holding back, leave it all in the ring, no regrets, going at it until you’re a puddle of sweat and your body collapses.”
I should tell Oscar to shut up and mind his own business, but it was nearly impossible not to play along with him a little, especially as he was clearly having so much fun with it.
I leaned. “Really now? What would give you that idea?” I asked, jumping up to sit on the bookcase behind me, crossing my legs slowly, letting the hem ride up over the tall boots to show off a nice flash of thigh, like I was some seductress. I didn’t even know where this was coming from. I’d never been flirty in my life.
Oscar smiled. “You play it close to the vest but you’ve got a mighty hot fire burning inside. I can feel the heat from across the room.”
“Do you plan on dating Oscar now too? Why limit yourself to two? Why don’t you date Zab as well, or Zark?” Hawk asked, nothing playful about his tone.
“Maybe I will,” I replied.
“We’ll see about that,” he said. He smiled, as if he was daring me to try.