“I’m not canceling on him because you want to win whatever game you’re playing. This is already old. You make me tired.”

“Then, it’s settled. We’ll discuss your ex-ninja at my favorite restaurant at eight thirty.” He stood.

“No, we won’t. None of that sounds appealing—at all.”

He looked around and playfully pointed at his chest.

“No, you’re not appealing either,” I snapped.

“You’re a terrible liar for a fed,” Thomas said with a smirk. He walked to my door and opened it.

“What is with everyone today? Val is acting crazy, and you’re insane…and arrogant, by the way. I just want to come to work, go home, and maybe not eat alone once in a while with whomever the hell I want to, without drama or whining or contests.”

The whole of Squad Five was staring into my office.

I gritted my teeth. “Unless you have an update for me, Agent Maddox, please allow me to continue my current task.”

“Have a good day, Agent Lindy.”

“Thank you,” I said in a huff.

Before he closed the door, he poked his head back in. “I was just getting used to you calling me Thomas.”

“Get out of my office, Thomas.”

He shut the door, and my cheeks burned bright as an uncontrollable smile spread across my face.

Miniature rivers rushed down each side of the street, a city’s worth of dirt and debris escaping down the large square drains at each intersection. Tires sloshed in high-pitched tones as they careened down the wet asphalt, and I stood in front of the striped awning and large glass windows that featured Brooklyn Girl in vintage font.

I couldn’t stop smiling about the fact that I wasn’t saddled with a heavy coat. The low clouds overhead were backlit by the moon, and the sky had spit and poured on San Diego off and on all day, yet there I stood in a sleeveless white blouse, a coral linen blazer, and skinny jeans with sandals. I’d wanted to wear my suede slingback heels, but I hadn’t wanted to chance getting them wet.

“Hey,” Sawyer said into my ear.

I turned and smiled, elbowing him.

“I got us a table,” Thomas said, breezing past us and opening the door. “Three, right?”

Sawyer looked like he’d swallowed his tongue.

Thomas’s eyebrows lifted. “Well? Let’s eat. I’m starved.”

Sawyer and I traded glances, and I walked in first, followed by Sawyer.

Thomas shoved his hands into his pockets as he stood at the hostess’s podium.

“Thomas Maddox,” the young woman said, a sparkle in her eye. “It’s been a long time.”

“Hi, Kasie. Table for three, please.”

“Right this way.” Kasie smiled, taking three menus and leading us to a corner booth.