He taps the screen.
“Yes, that’s right. Ms. Mya Acosta. Oh, and she left a message to send to you as well. She says to check your group chat.”
With one hand I take out my phone and pull up our bestie group chat.
Mya:
Yes, I gave that man permission to get into our apartment to pick up that damn cat. Like I was going to pass up an opportunity to help you get your back blown out by that fine ass man just because you had to get home to feed her *eye roll emoji*. Have fun, friend! Love you.
She sent the message between the time I entered the parking lot and now.
As I’m replying, a message from Ari pops up.
Ari:
I know that’s right. The both of you get your freak on for me, who’s now single and not near ready to mingle. Call you tomorrow with the details.
I lift my gaze, meeting Spencer’s awaiting stare.
“Everything alright?”
I swallow the lump in my throat. I’m not about to tell him that both of my best friends have lost their minds and are encouraging me to throw caution to the wind and get my back blown out by Andreas Knight tonight.
Ivy:
I’m going to kill you, Mya. Ari, you too for encouraging this mess!
I stuff my phone into my pocket, then look back at Spencer. “Everything’s great.”
I allow Spencer to help me into the backseat of the car and then shut the door, while I continue to clutch Ms. Shelby in my arms.
“One more thing,” Spencer says as he climbs behind the wheel. “Mr. Knight wanted me to also assure you that your car will be safe in the parking lot until tomorrow, but he could have it taken home to your apartment, if you’d like.
“Lastly, I’m a fully licensed and trained security specialist with almost two decades of experience. You’re completely safe with me, Ms. Sterling.”
I hadn’t even thought to ask.
“Thank you,” I tell him.
The moment we pull out of the parking lot, my phone buzzes.
Ari:
I absolutely encourage the shenanigans.
My eyes narrow at the screen when Mya’s response is a high-five emoji, to which Ari responds with one of her own. I want to be annoyed, but the grin making my lips twitch says otherwise.
“The ride will take approximately thirty minutes,” Spencer tells me. “Please feel free to put up the divider and relax or take a nap.”
This can’t be real.
CHAPTER 18
Andreas
A wave of anticipation crashes through me when the elevator bell buzzes a second before opening. There are only two apartments on the floor of this building, granting me more privacy.
I scan my thumbprint, and a beat later the door lock disengages. In an instant I’m greeted by the purring of a grey furball with the brightest and biggest pair of cerulean eyes I’ve ever seen on a cat.
