“You were on the phone a second after I stepped out of my office.”

“How coincidental,” I murmured. “You have some really bad timing.”

He arched a brow. “That’s bullshit.”

“Language, Mr. Mitchell,” I mimicked.

Surprise flickered over his face and then he threw his head back and laughed, exposing his neck. And who knew a neck could be so attractive? I didn’t, but his was.

Without warning, Rhage jumped up on the island.

Brock lowered his chin. “Well, hello there.”

The cat looked at him, ears perked and then twitched. He stared at Brock like he had no idea why another male was in the house. It would be a valid thing to wonder about.

“Sorry. He has really bad manners.” I sighed. “Rhage, get down.”

Plopping his butt down on the counter, he lifted one leg and slowly licked his paw as he eyed Brock.

“He listens well,” Brock said dryly as he reached toward him.

“Don’t do that!” I warned, but it was too late. His fingers were already within biting and scratching territory. Cringing, I wanted for the inevitable claw swipe.

It never came.

Rhage lowered his paw and stretched his head out, sniffing the tips of Brock’s fingers. Then Brock moved. Rhage stayed still as he scratched him behind the ear. After a few seconds, Brock removed his hand and Rhage hopped down, his kitty claws clicking as he pranced down the hall, toward the bedroom.

“What the hell?” I whispered, awed and a bit annoyed. “He hates everyone. Including me.”

“Odd. Seems like a pretty chill cat.” Turning back to me, Brock rested his arms on the island. “Anyway, you’re avoiding me.”

I was still fixated on the fact Rhage didn’t bite him or at least hiss at him. My cat was a traitorous bastard of the worst sort.

“And I want you to stop.”

“Huh?” I blinked, focusing on him.

He leaned in, his gaze locked with mine. “I get there is some . . . there is some shit between us, and God knows if I could go back and change things, I would. You have no idea how badly I wish I didn’t have my head stuck so far up my own ass back then. I can’t go back though. Can never do that.”

I clammed up, my jaw locking down so hard I was surprised I didn’t undo all the work doctors had invested in repairing my face.

“But you know, when Andrew said you agreed to the job, I was so . . . so fucking relieved, because I knew then I was going to not only get to see you, but finally talk to you.” He sat back and slowly shook his head. “Reconnecting with you means a lot to me, Jillian. I know I’m now your boss, and I know how this sounds, trust me, but I want to be friends with you.”

I had no idea what to say.