Page 13 of From That Moment

“See? Chivalry. And it doesn’t matter. I’m not paying for your lunch because then you’ll get all huffy and think that I am trying to take care of you, when I’m clearly not. I’m just hungry, and you happen to be here.”

She laughed, shaking her head.

“I have no idea what to believe right now.”

“I don’t either. Which is a good thing. Either way, come on, let’s go get something to eat.”

“And you don’t care that others will think that I’m sleeping with you because I’m going out to eat with you?” she asked, not moving away from the door. I paused as I slid my phone into my pocket.

“Well, I have a steady girlfriend, and most of the people in this department know that. If they’re going to think that I’m cheating as well as sleeping with someone I work with, then that’s on them.” I paused. “However, if it’s going to be too much for you, let me know. I’m in a position where I can sayfuck itand we can let them think what they want, but you might not be.”

“You’re right.” She ran her hands down her face, letting out a breath. “I’m overthinking this because Benji pissed me off once again. As it is, we’ve been in your office with the door closed for a little too long. They probably think I’m giving you a blowjob or something.” Her eyes widened, and she put her hand over her mouth before mumbling, “I didn’t say that. Please don’t send me to HR.”

I threw back my head and laughed, shaking my head. “Seriously, we’re friends. And friends don’t give each other blowjobs.”

“That’s good to know. Either way, I’m sorry. I’m just pissed off, and it makes me say things I shouldn’t. I’m glad it’s with you and not someone who would report me for saying something completely inappropriate.”

“Come on, let’s get you something to eat.”

“Are you sure? I saw you bring your little lunchbox in with you.”

“Ouch. Ha-ha. I did. Now, I’m in the mood for whatever’s closest. Lead the way, you’re the expert here when it comes to places to go.”

“I have no idea if you’re being sarcastic or not,” she said, narrowing her eyes.

“Shut up,” I said and opened the door, gesturing for her to lead the way. Nobody paid us any mind, and Benji was the only one who glared. I had a feeling this was mostly Benji acting up and not anyone else. And that was something I needed to think about. Or that was something ParisandI would have to deal with. I let her lead the way because I was done stepping on her toes. I seemed to do that enough when it came to her.

We ended up at a little café near work, and I smiled as Paris looked around, not quite judging but taking things in.

“Do you feel like we’re cheating on Dakota’s place?” I asked, my voice a whisper.

“A little,” she said, her cheeks blushing a bit.

“If we were closer to that place during our lunch break, you know I’d be there in a heartbeat. I like Dakota’s place. I like Dakota.”

Her eyes narrowed a little. “What do you mean by that?”

I held my hands up in protest. “Hey, just that I like Dakota. I like all of you guys. It’s nice having all of Hazel’s friends as part of our crew. That’s all I was saying. Dakota is a nice woman, and I like her kid.”

“Okay, sorry. I’m a little overprotective when it comes to my friends.”

“Shocking,” I said, and she rolled her eyes at me before she stabbed her salad with her fork.

I mixed mine up, even as I watched the way she ate hers in little pieces. I held back a smile at that. If I could coat everything with dressing and mix it all up so I got a little bit of each thing in every bite, I would. And would be happy. Paris seemed to like things one at a time.

That was probably why I developed things, and she broke them apart and tested them out.

Or maybe I was thinking a little too hard on all that shit.

“So now that we’re out of the building, you doing okay?” I asked. I could have slapped myself for asking.

All the easy camaraderie we had established fizzled like a balloon being popped.

“It’s just normal work stuff. I think Benji has a burr up his butt, even though me doing my job doesn’t reflect on him at all. He liked your predecessor about four people ago, and they were good friends.”

“Seriously? I didn’t know that.”

“Yep. When that guy was let go, though we didn’t know he’d been fired, Benji took it personally.”