Page 67 of Smokey's Distraction
“If you would’ve come to Dad’s funeral, she would’ve been okay.”
A dry laugh escaped past his lips. “She was never okay, but you can believe what you want.”
“Why didn’t you go to the funeral?”
Smokey swung a leg over the bike and settled into the seat. “’Cause I’m not a fuckin’ hypocrite.”
Turning the key, the motorcycle roared to life, the sound music to his ears. Gripping the handlebars, he backed out of the parking space and sped out of the lot. With the vibration of the bike coursing through him, he felt at peace.
Two hours later, Smokey was in his office, tucking a blue button-down shirt into his charcoal pants. He kept a few “professional” outfits at the office for days when he had a meeting after visiting a construction site.
As he cinched his belt tight, he heard a knock on the door. “Come in.”
Sabrina waltzed into the office, shutting the door behind her as she ran her eyes over him. “You look good. Do you have a meeting?”
“Yeah. What’s up?”
“Not much. I was just wondering how the marketing project is coming along.
Smokey jerked his head back. “Why are you asking? You’ve never taken an interest in the business.”
“Yes I have.” She pushed her lower lip out in a pout. “You’re not being fair.”
“Look, I’m not criticizing you, I’m just surprised you give a shit about the campaign.”
“I care about a lot of things that concern you. Anyway, I know Ms. Callahan is leaving after the project is wrapped up, so I wanted to know if her office is going to be left empty.” Sabrina picked at her cuticle. “I’m asking for Ivy—honest.”
“The project’s been delayed.”
Her face fell. “Delayed? For how long?”
He rubbed his forehead. “How is this your business? Don’t worry about shit that doesn’t concern you.”
“I was just asking for Ivy,” she muttered.
“Tell Ivy to come in and ask for herself next time.”
“Are you mad at me?”
“No.”
She took a few steps toward him. “You act like you are.”
“I’m busy, that’s all.”
She stopped in her tracks. “I heard you’ve got something going on withher.”
Anger pricked at the back of his neck. “With Ivy?”
“No. With the one from Denver.”
“Her name is Ms. Callahan, and I don’t like office gossip.” He fixed her with a steely gaze.
“AJ told me he’d seen the two of you at Ruthie’s last week.”
“Look, Sabrina, you’ve got to understand that nothing’s ever going to happen between you and me. Stop meddling. For your sake, I’m going to forget we had this conversation.” He walked over and opened the door. “Shouldn’t you be at the front desk?”
“I’m just trying to protect you,” she said as she walked toward the door.
