Page 25 of Crash Course
"Good morning, to you," she said, her voice streaming through the speaker. "How are you?"
"I’m freaking fantastic. What can I do for you, Ms. Randolph?"
He could come up with a few things. Assuming his mother didn’t show up.
"I’m not sure if you’ve spoken to Zeke, but I thought I’d call you."
Cruz leaned in, checking his short beard in the mirror. Time for a trim. "I’m not in the office yet. Haven’t seen anybody."
"I have another project that I’d like to speak to y’all about."
Interesting. "A recovery?"
"Mmmm, not exactly. Y’all signed the NDA."
Clearly missing something, Cruz shook his head while digging through the bottom drawer for his beard trimmer. "The BARS NDA your dad signed?"
"Yes."
That little factoid did zilch to clear anything up.
"At first," Cilla’s voice filled the bathroom again. "I thought y’all were nuts because your NDA was so far-reaching. Now, it’s helping me. Go figure."
Lawyers. Funny bunch. While in the bottom drawer, he grabbed his brush, dragging it through his hair. Before it dried, he’d put some of that frizz product in it that Maddy had given him. The stuff was aces with taming curls.
Most days, he liked his long hair. Others? He’d contemplated a head shave. The hair though? Total chick magnet.
"Honey," he said while working through a tangle.Ow. That hurt."I don’t have a clue what you’re talking about. Other than you have an additional project for us. Or is it your father’s project?"
"Sorry," she said. "I’m still trying to work it out myself. I’m coming out this afternoon for a chat."
Today? Well, well, well, this day was sure starting off right. He might have to upgrade his normal jeans and T-shirt to something a little nicer. More client-visit appropriate. Which was also something since he rarely gave a rat’s ass what people thought of his clothing choices. He did, however, try to keep Zeke happy by going with business casual when in the presence of clients.
"This new project," she continued, "involves my father’s company. And based on the NDA, you can’t discuss anything you heard or witnessed while in my presence."
This was true. They all knew and understood that. Not that they’d discuss jobs with anyone outside of BARS anyway, but the NDA covered all angles. Mom made sure of it. "You can thank my mother for that. She’s fanatical about details. And protecting us."
"She’s a smart woman."
Cruz set the brush back in the drawer and closed it. "You may meet her when you’re here."
"I’d like that. I can tell her how impressed I am with her sons."
He peered at himself in the mirror and pumped a fist. "Now you’re flirting."
She laughed. "Well, maybe I am. It’s easy with you.You’reeasy."
"You have no idea how easy I am."
Silence filled the bathroom.Got her.Ha. When the seconds dragged on, he gritted his teeth. Had he gone too far? Six months ago, he wouldn’t have wondered. Now? With all the changes in his surroundings, he questioned everything. Constantly second-guessed himself over who he offended and how.
Finally, Cilla snorted. "I enjoy this banter with you. Anyway, I’m busy with a client this morning, but I’ll be there at three."
Phew!He blew out a breath and shook his head. Too much thinking.
"Three o’clock," he said. "Sounds good. Care to give me a preview of what we’re talking about? Does it have anything to do with what upset you on the plane the other day?"
"It does. I’ve thought it through and found some additional information. But I’m slammed this week and I’d like to see if y’all can help me with research."
