CLANDESTINE | HS |

EIGHT

Harry

Coffee.

It's the only thing on my mind as I make my way into the boardroom this morning.

When I opened my email and saw the notification on my screen, I inwardly groaned at the thought of having to sit around a meeting that could have easily been handled in an email.

It could always be an email.

Always.

Stepping into the room, my eyes immediately zone in on the coffee machine that sits on the back table. With eight million different kinds to choose from, I take a deep breath when the simple black coffee hits the bottom of the paper cup.

"I'm not ready for this."

Turning to my right I see Andrew Malone staring at the coffee machine with stars in his eyes.

Nodding my head, my fingers wrap around the warm cup. "I would rather be taking an extra nap at my desk right now."

"Right?!" Stepping up to the machine, he grabs a pod for hazelnut coffee and gets it started. "I won't lie though, I'm curious about whatever this is."

Letting the taste of coffee coat my taste buds, I hum out in agreement. "I would be more curious if it wasn't the first thing in the morning."

"Okay, true." Watching the coffee drop into the cup, Andrew blows out a breath. "Hey, by the way... Do you have any plans for Thursday night?"

"Other than packing for a trip to the lake, no. What's up?" Sitting down at the table, I look over to him as he takes the seat next to me and carefully sips his coffee.

"Well, Shelby's friend is going to be in town and she asked me to beg you to come out with us." He squints his eyes as if asking me is a terrifying idea. "Besides, she said you owed her one."

I run my palm over my face, the stubble scratching my skin. "So you want me to go on a double date with you and your wife?"

"I will literally beg you. Don't make me pull out the best friend card." He points at me. "Because I will."

I think about it for a few seconds as we watch the rest of our colleagues file in through the door. Some of them take their seats and some of them stand in line for their own cup of coffee.

A perk of always being early.

Andrew is right about one thing — he is my best friend.

When I started this job, for whatever reason, we just meshed well and have been able to form a strong friendship. His wife Shelby was almost like a second sister to me and I'll be honest, there's not much I wouldn't do for either of them.

Unfortunately for me, the first thing that comes to mind when I think about going on any kind of date is the one person that shouldn't.

It was astounding how much space she took up in my mind.

After the anniversary party at my house, I couldn't stop myself from thinking about her. Fuck, I could barely go into my laundry room without feeling my pants tighten at the memory of her coming around my cock on top of my washing machine.

"Alright, I'll go." I breathe out, reaching for a pen. "Just let me know when and where I need to be."

"Thank you." He mouths as we turn our attention forward.

I only nod as I pretend to pay attention.

If I'm lucky, maybe this will do the trick. Maybe it would push Logan Banks out of my mind.