Going Down Easy (Billionaire Bad Boys) by Carly Phillips Page A

stop staring at him. His eyes were bloodshot from lack of a good night’s sleep and obvious pain, and despite it all, her heart clenched. She felt for him, knowing he was suffering both physically and emotionally.
    “How’s your hand?” she asked him.
    “Hurts.” He paused, and awkward silence surrounded them. Finally, he spoke again. “Thanks for yesterday,” he said, gruff words strained, but she appreciated them anyway.
    “You’re welcome. Can I help you with anything?” She gestured around his desk, knowing he was at a disadvantage with one hand out of commission.
    He shook his head. “Just leave the coffee on the desk. I have a call in a few minutes and I need privacy. I’ll shoot you an email with a to-do list later.”
    “Umm…” She glanced at his bandaged, splinted hand. “Unless you want to peck out the keys, why don’t you just call me in when you’re off the phone. I can take notes on what you’d like me to do.”
    “I’m not an invalid. Don’t treat me like one.”
    No, he was just a rude ass. “Suit yourself,” she muttered.
    She turned and headed back to her desk, under no delusions about his behavior. He was being obnoxious on purpose, freezing her out because she’d dared to get close to him yesterday.
    She blew out a deep breath. Part of her understood. With her family history, she didn’t let people in either. Her mother or sister was always bound to do something disruptive and throw off the balance of Lexie’s life. She’d learned most people didn’t understand, and it was easier to be a loner than to lose friends.
    Still, she had to admit it hurt to have Kade do the same to her. Even if he had his reasons—like regretting that he’d confided in her about his past. Or kissing her. That one hurt more.
    She glanced at her cell phone, surprised to see a text message from Kendall. She’d been in the kitchen when Lexie left for work, basically ignoring any questions Lexie asked her. From Any luck looking for a job? to the benign What are you doing today? she’d been met with silence.
    She glanced at her cell screen.
    Kendall: I’m sorry I’ve been such a bitch to you.
    Lexie was used to the cycle of anger and apology and typed in her reply: Thank you. Hope you have a good day. She didn’t have the time or the inclination to argue while at work.
    Kendall: Need my meds adjusted. Dr. Kay has a twelve p.m. Come along? Don’t want to go alone.
    Lexie leaned back in her chair and groaned, trying her best to ignore the twisting in her stomach caused by being pulled in two directions. Work versus family. She swallowed hard and glanced at her watch. As long as she was given a lunch break, she could meet up with Kendall for her appointment and be back here in time to work.
    Counting on a normal workday, she texted her sister back: Will meet you there. Have to go back to work after.
    Kendall: Thx. U R the best.
    No, she was a sucker for her needy twin, but what else could she do?
    “Lexie!” Kade yelled from inside his office.
    She jumped up fast, wondering if he’d done something to hurt his hand. “What’s wrong?” she asked, nearly tripping over herself to get there quickly.
    “My coffee’s cold and weak,” he said, a displeased look on his face.
    That was all? “You’re out of the kind you prefer, so it’s a lighter blend. And I made it fifteen minutes ago. If you’re just drinking it now, of course it’s gone cold. I’ll just go make another one,” she said, keeping her voice pleasant.
    “Make sure we have the right kind tomorrow,” he snapped.
    She somehow refrained from saluting. “Anything else?” she asked.
    “It’s not sweet enough.”
    She ground her teeth before answering. “It has three sugars. Unless you want to go into a diabetic coma, I’m sure it’s plenty sweet.”
    He frowned. “Well, bring me an extra packet, just in case.”
    She stepped closer to the desk, knowing she was about to poke the bear. “Do you think maybe something else is