“It has but you’ve done an amazing job. Listen, you can bring the brood. George always comes to work with me when Mom’s away.” He glanced down at the snoring French Bulldog in his own bed beside the desk. George didn’t care where he was, Simon’s office, the basement or at his mom’s place; so long as he had his bed and people to pet him when he felt the need, he’d be a happy dog.
“Are you sure?”
He’d do anything to get more time with her and the dogs weren’t a problem. He genuinely liked each and every one of the. Especially little Ziggy. She was fast becoming a firm favorite. “Of course. Wait until you see where we work.”
She laughed. “Now you really have me intrigued. I guess I can’t say no then. But let me do the food since you’re busy. What time and where?”
Simon rattled off the address. “I’ll let security know you’re coming and they’ll show you up to my office. And I’ll leave the food up to you if that’s what you want. Your choice.”
“I’ll do the food. But security? What are you guys dealing with? State secrets?”
“May as well be. Our stuff is pretty high tech these days. I’ll give you a tour when you get here.” He couldn’t wait to show her how much they’d improved and what they were working on now.
“Will Tyler be there?”
“Probably. Is that an issue?”
She snorted. “Hardly. We all go back together. Purely wanting to know for the food quota.”
“Fine. I’ll see you at six.” She hung up and Simon sat back in his chair. Tyler could eat with them but then he was getting pushed out of the picture. He wanted time with Ruby on his own.
“What put that silly grin on your face?” Tyler walked in and slouched near the window watching the boats in the harbor go past their building.
“Ruby’s dropping in tonight with dinner for us. She asked if you’d be here.”
“We are working tonight but I get the hint. I’ll make myself scarce when I’ve eaten.” Tyler turned and grinned at him. “Just like old times, eh?”
“Yeah. Hopefully.”
“Seriously, Simon you need to make a move on her. You’re dragging the chain my friend.”
Simon didn’t want to mention the kiss. Not yet – not when it might jinx him. “I don’t want to push her. She doesn’t trust me yet. Small steps.”
Tyler snorted. “Yeah, backwards.”
“Give me a break. I’m doing the best I can. If I go in guns blazing professing my love, what do you think she’s going to say?”
Tyler pretended to think. “Gee, let me see. Maybe that she loves you too?”
Simon threw a pen at him. “Don’t be a dick. You know how she works. After what I did to her, it’s going to take time. Ruby doesn’t forgive easily and I don’t blame her. Leave it with me. I’ll pounce when the time is right. I’m not letting her get away again.”
Simon swiveled around in his chair and watched the boat tracking past the wharf. “Listen, I spoke to Graham about the property next door. He’s put in your expression of interest. You might hear back this week but I did tell him to make sure you get it. I want you living next door to me.”
“And you always get what you want?” Tyler’s eyes bugged and he started to fidget. A sure sign he was freaking out about spending so much money. But the investment would pay off.
“No more than you do. But this I really want. We grew up together. Why wouldn’t I want you close by?”
Tyler shrugged. “No reason.” He picked up a paperweight off Simon’s desk and tossed it between his hands. “That friend of Ruby’s, Carly.”
“What about her?” Simon had noticed the way Tyler watched her the other night when he’d arrived with dinner for the team at the shelter.
“Just wondered what you know about her.” He put the paperweight down and jammed his hands in his pockets. “She seemed really nice.”
“She is. I’ve known her for ages. Really smart cookie too. She does the books for the shelter and knows her way around a spreadsheet, according to Ruby. Bit of a whiz with figures.”
“Is she seeing anyone?”
Simon stood up and slapped him on the back. “That’s something you need to ask Ruby, pal. I have no idea but to be honest, I haven’t heard her mention any other guy of late but we don’t have that kind of conversations. More chew over the weather kind of chat if we pass each other at the gym.” He walked into the basement. “Google her and see what comes up.”
“Already have. All I get is her fabulous profile from college. She doesn’t seem to be on social media much at all.”
“Maybe she likes her privacy. You can understand that.”
Tyler followed him into the basement and pulled out his chair. “Yeah, I guess but that doesn’t help me now, does it?”
“You have two choices. Go in dark mode and sift through her data or wait.” Simon winked and laughed. Tyler wouldn’t be so rude.
“Wait? For what?”
“To find out the same way most normal people do. Ask her.”
Tyler threw himself into his chair, a look of horror on his face. “I can’t do that. I don’t know her. Can you imagine the shit storm if I got sneaky and she found out? Gross case of getting stalkerish.” He tapped his chin with his finger. “I’ll ask Ruby. She’ll tell me anything I want to know.”
“Good idea. Pretty sure she’ll know everything there is to know about Carly. They’re best buddies.” His fingers raced over the keys and the overhead screen came to life. “Tell me what it was that you didn’t like about this program.”
* * *
Ruby helped bathe the new dogs that had been rescued from a kill center in the city.
