Long-Term

Paige

I crossed my legs in one of the leather armchairs in Tom’s office and watched a small parade of men in suits file into the room. The older guy, Stan, I’d seen around, and I’d needed Lyle’s help a few times with my computer, but the rest were all strangers to me. I twisted my hands together in my lap and glanced at Tom, who sat behind his huge desk looking every inch the sort of guy who could pull together the sort of operation we were talking about. The exhaustion and frustration had drained away the second I tried the same tough-love thing on him Lauren had used on me. I bit my lip and tried not to think about the kiss that had followed. I’d never pay attention in the meeting if I did.

“All right, gentlemen,” Tom said. “For those of you who don’t know her, I’d like to introduce you to Paige Bruno. She’ll be consulting on this job and all other jobs like this.”

A small thrill traveled down my spine. Consulting sounded so official, not like I was Tom’s charity case or a girl he k