Her Silent Revenge novel Chapter 19

There's an apology in me somewhere—another one, I mean—but I can't quite find the words. Nothing except a whispered, "I really hope—"

"I came by to let you know I've secured a company sitter for Arlo. A backup, if you need them."

"What?" I don't understand.

"So there won't be a repeat of yesterday," he explains, his face unwavering.

"Um, that's—wow." Real coherent, Salem. Way to show him you're a consummate professional. "Thanks, but there's really no need for that. He's back in kindergarten this week and our babysitter, Mrs. Gabbard, she's over her family emergency, so—"

"No." The word is hard, clipped. His gaze is steely ice, almost like the rest of him. "Parts of this position are on demand, Miss Hopper. Weekends, evenings. You knew that when you signed the contract."

"I knew that. You're right." I gulp and dip my head. Pride doesn't work here, I tell myself. Just get over it and take the damn offer. "Thank you. That's very kind. I'll call them if I need a backup plan for sure."

"She's available on call. Anyplace, anytime," he adds. "Super generous."

There's a flash of suspicion in his blue eyes.

Obviously, he heard the conversation with Kay—and he knows I don't think he's kind or generous.

"We'll be touring the city tomorrow so you can see more of the properties in our portfolio," he tells me. "You won't be managing them directly, of course, but it's important for you to see the full scope of our operations. A broader view of the company might help you optimize things here."

I don't realize I'm pressing myself against the balcony until he steps back.

"Right," I say, trying not to sound breathy. "Thanks. Sounds wonderful."

"Don't be late, Miss Hopper."

I wasn't late today, was I, prick?

"No. I wouldn't dream of it," I agree, biting my tongue and ducking my head so he can't see the way my expression tightens. Hopefully, he thinks it's deference.

He nods and strides away like he can't get rid of me fast enough. Joy to the world.

An entire day gallivanting around the city with a man who treats me like a human mosquito? Who doesn't have a clue he knocked me up? Alone?

Without even touching on our past?

"That's all right, darlin'." Mom kisses me on the cheek. "Come say hello to Evelyn! She just flew in today and she'll be joining us for dinner."

The grey-haired lady Dexter was talking to turns, and I'm confronted with a familiar face.

Evelyn Hibbing has been Mom's best friend since they were schoolgirls, and she's come to see us over the years for extended visits. She's a small woman, almost owlish with her glasses, rounded shoulders, and a preference for wearing cardigans and sweaters in soft neutral colors.

"Patton," she beams, holding out her hands as she walks toward me. She's been part of the family for so long, it's like seeing your favorite aunt. "So good to see you again, dear. Have you been behaving? Are you engaged yet?"

"Hell no. And behaving, yeah. Just enough." I grin. "Hope you asked Dex the same question."

Dexter catches my eye and smiles, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. Next to him, his wife elbows him in the side. She's decked out in a stunning green dress today.

"Don't even start," Junie mouths. "We're having a good time." That man is whipped.

I hold in a laugh. It's honestly amusing to see my stick-up-the-ass brother so domesticated.

"Evelyn, how was your trip down? Surviving another winter back home? I hear it's nasty this year, even for Minnesota." I accept her kiss as she laughs. Right on the mouth—damn, no wonder Dexter pulled that face. "It's nice to see you. I didn't know you were visiting."