“That’s nice,” I said. And it was. “But do you remember our lunch on my first day here. I told you I had a bad feeling about Carson, and you asked me to document any problems, particularly in regards to work?” She nodded. “Well, an email will be coming your way, but you have to know he totally sabotaged me at the meeting today. He never mentioned Schneider Pretzels to me, and I checked the project management list and it wasn’t put on there until after our meeting today.”

“I suspected as much,” she said. She looked grim. “I’ll talk to Miguel and tell him what Carson did.”

“But you don’t think Miguel will do anything about it,” I said.

Sophie dropped her head and sighed before she glanced back up. “I’m sure Carson already has an excuse locked and loaded. You know, one of the things I love most about my husband is his loyalty.”

“But?”

“But because he’s loyal to the core, he seems to believe everyone else is. Carson and Miguel are fraternity brothers. I don’t know the specifics, but Miguel told me enough to get the gist. When they were hazing, Carson saved Miguel from getting seriously hurt. Because of that, I can’t seem to break the spell Carson has got Miguel under. That’s why I need you here. Together, we can document every move Carson makes, and when we have enough, we can present it to Miguel as proof positive.”

“I’m not gonna lie,” I said. “This is stressful.”

“I’m sorry,” she said. She hugged me. “I’ll understand if you don’t want to stay.”

“Don’t be stupid,” I said. “Of course I’m staying. Carson can’t have my job. He’s made it personal now.”

She smiled. “That’s my Belly.” She turned back to the mirror to finish her makeup.

“There is one other thing I wanted to talk about,” I said. “Nick Daire.”

Soph was applying her mascara. Something in my tone must have alerted her to the fact that I’d met Nick Daire because she met my gaze in the mirror and then slowly turned around.

“What about him?” Her voice was guarded.

“Why did you let me think he was some shriveled-up old man?” I cried. “He’s, like, crazy hot. Hotter than hot. He’s scorchin’ hot.”

“No.” Soph shook her head. “No, no, no, no. You have to stay away from him. You haven’t talked to him, have you?”

I opened my mouth but she cut me off.

“Don’t!” she cried. “Don’t talk to him. Don’t go near him. Maintain a ten-foot perimeter at all times.”

I frowned. “Why?”

“Because he is everything you fall for,” she said.

“Charming, funny, handsome, and smart?” I asked.

“No,” she said. “Broken, damaged, needy, and hot.”

“You admit he’s hot?”