Holding Her Close (Bits and Bytes, Book 0) (Bits & Bytes) by Allyson Lindt Read Free Book Online

like for Scott to watch him with Kelly? Recognizing that was a bad path to go down, he focused on Selina. She had yet to toss passive aggressive insults at him. “So how long have you been with the company?”
    She chuckled and took a sip of her wine. “Too long.”
    “ You can contact our media group if you need any help,” Vance interrupted. “I'd hate to see this reflect badly on either of you.”
    Scott sighed and Rae whispered something else to him.
    “I appreciate the offer. I'll let you know if we can't handle it.” Zach forced his smile to stay intact. He desperately needed a smoke. He almost jumped when a foot traced up his leg.
    Looking up, he caught Selina's eyes over the top of her glass. She winked before glancing away. Even if he had been interested, sleeping with the HR rep from his own parent company seemed like the fastest way to make things worse. The last thing he needed was to have to deal with sexual harassment complaints or sensitivity training.
    He needed to walk away for a few minutes and regroup his thoughts. He was already talking as he reached for his pocket. “Damn it, I thought I turned this thing off.” He lit up his phone as he pulled it out.
    “ Something wrong?” Disdain hung heavy in Vance’s voice.
    Zach feigned concern as he started at the device. “I need to take this. I’m sorry.” He stood as he spoke, already holding the phone to his ear as he walked away from the table.
    He pushed outside, letting the evening air wash over him. Great, five minutes into dinner and he was already making weak excuses. He stepped to a side of the building away from foot traffic, lit up a cigarette, and inhaled deeply. He could make it through the night. This was what he did. He could ignore the arrogant old man taunting them with what was rightfully theirs.
    And he could make plans for after dinner. He took another drag off his smoke, and then pecked out a quick message to Rae. Busy later?
    He didn’t expect a response right away. She was playing professional for the evening like the rest of them. So he was surprised when his pocket vibrated a couple minutes later.
    I’m your important call? I’m flattered.
    He wouldn’t smile. There was no reason to appreciate the teasing. Except the familiar banter called to pleasant memories, and had already erased a layer of his stress. Texting at the table? That’ll earn you another jab about your age.
    A few seconds later. Powdering my nose. Have to get back, and no I’m not busy later. Want to change that?
    His cock twitched in response to the bold flirting. He inhaled deeply, blew smoke thr ough his nose, and tried to calm his reaction. His reply was brief. After dinner?
    Because closure, right?
    He smirked, still not able to force his heated blood to cool down. Of course.
    Don’t be late.
    A half smile stayed with him as he finished his smoke. He hovered outside for a few more minutes to let the smell dissipate, and then headed back to dinner. Rae had already rejoined the group and was swapping stories with Selina about whether it was better to give someone a written warning right off, or talk to them first. When the older woman took the hard, fast line of no exceptions, he was even more relieved he’d ignored her flirting.
    “ Everything all right?” Scott asked as soon as he was seated.
    Shit , Zach hadn’t come up with an excuse. This entire thing was screwing with his head. His brain kicked an answer to his mouth without pausing to let him process. “Broker.”
    Scott scowled. “Of course.”
    Vance laughed. “At least you’re planning for your future.”
    Rae gave him a brief glance . Was that laughter dancing in her brown eyes? She turned away before he could be sure.
    He resisted the urge to call off the night early. At least knowing what was waiting for him would make things more tolerable.

CHAPTER SIX
     
    Rae perched on the edge of her couch, intertwining her fingers and then unwinding them again. Should she change? She