her ring, and simply putting it back on would cause more problems than it would solve. Anyway, would Adam actually want her back after he’d mentioned divorce the previous day?
The door opened and she looked up. “Can’t anyone knock in this place?”
Peter stuck his head around the edge. “Ready to go, Sam? It’s almost twelve.”
Adam slammed the laptop shut, muttering something under his breath. He picked up his laptop bag and opened it.
Sam looked at him. “You can leave the computer out. We’ll carry on when I get back.”
He shook his head. “No, I’d rather put it away.”
Sam pulled her bag from the drawer and put the file from her inbox into it. “Don’t you trust anyone?”
“No,” he said shortly. “You’re paying me not to.”
She got to her feet. Peter held her coat out for her, his hands sliding over her arms and back as he helped her into it. Normally she’d brush him off, this time she didn’t.
****
Adam sat back in his chair as the others left.
He shoved all the files from the desk into his briefcase. No way was he going to leave them here, no matter what Sam said. He slid his laptop into its case and zipped it closed. He’d go back to his office and make hard copies of everything. Just in case something happened and the evidence vanished.
He didn’t trust anyone in this office. And right now that included Sam and that smarmy Peter bloke.
Adam walked quickly to his car. First, he needed to go home and shower and change. He felt dirty, never mind the fact he’d been working nine hours straight. Perhaps he should try to sleep for a couple of hours, then go into his own office for a bit.
Was this instant dislike of Peter work related? Or was he jealous of Sam and Peter going to Lancini’s for lunch. The problem was, Lancini’s had a reputation—expensive, classy, with a long waiting list for reservations. It had also just gained its second Michelin star.
This, of course, begged the question: how could a third grade accountant—he’d checked while Sam popped out to the loo earlier—afford to eat anywhere like that? Never mind take a woman as well. And what was his real reason for wanting Sam there? They could discuss this file, whatever it was, anywhere.
Adam jumped into his car, the decision made in an instant. He’d take the laptop and files home and lock them into the safe behind the mirror. Then he’d go and check on Sam. Make sure she was OK. And if Peter didn’t like it, it was tough. There was no law that said a man couldn’t sit on a public bench by the river, and eat his lunch.
And fifteen minutes later that was exactly what he was doing. OK, his steak and cheese sub probably wasn’t as posh as what they were eating inside, and there wasn’t nearly enough caffeine in the coffee to keep him going, but the sun was shining, the birds were singing, and ducks floated lazily on the water with the baby ducklings all in a row behind them. Glancing up, he had a perfect view of Sam and Peter sitting in the restaurant window. What more could he want?
His conscience told him he was spying. Or that he was jealous. Incredibly jealous. But he was merely doing his job, right? Doing what Sam was paying him to do. Finding out who was trying to ruin her company. Hopefully, it was Peter and then he’d be out of Sam’s life forever.
Adam realized with a heart-sickening thud that yes, he was jealous. He couldn’t have Sam, therefore no one could.
What was wrong with him?
How could he have sunk so low as to even consider that? And then to palm it off under being paid to do it as if that would justify his actions? He let out a deep breath and prayed for forgiveness.
He also prayed that God would show him how to handle this whole situation and just what he was meant to do with the feelings he still had for Sam. If she really wanted this Peter, then he needed the grace and compassion to set aside what he wanted and to let her be with Peter.
Adam returned his gaze to the