He could do that to my desk, easily.In a fit of passion, throwing everything to the floor, then grabbing me and …
I turn to hide the fierce blush that rushes to my cheeks.
Then he’s back, sittingright there, inches away from me, with his laptop and a terrifying stack of financial records.It makes a resounding thump as it’s set in front of me.
“I’ve already highlighted what I’m looking for on the first few pages.I need you to look through the rest and let me know if anything else jumps out at you.”
I open my mouth to follow up, but his attention is gone, all gates closed as he types.
Okay …
There’s no reason I should feel anxious right now—except, actually, there is because the man I’ve looked up to since I discovered his writing has just asked for my help, and I’m going to do it, even if it risks me losing what little I have here.
I look over my shoulder and catch him quickly turning away.“When do you need it done by?”
Sterling doesn’t take his eyes off his screen, his eyes narrowed and focused.“Monday.”
“That’s six days away.”
He hums an acknowledgment.I get nothing else.
So much for working together.
The highlights don’t reveal much—an account number that recurs every other page and some red marks beside any transfer over fifty thousand dollars.These records go back at least six months, and I’m going to have to sleep here if I want any chance of finishing it before next week.
“So …” I start, ignoring his silence.I might be a small-town girl, but I can be just as stubborn as he is.“What’s the story?”
His hand twitches.There’s a stack of blue Post-its sitting by a mug spilling over with hotel pens, and when he reaches for them, I wonder how we’re going to work together if he refuses to talk to me.Maybe we’ll work exclusively by note.
A small glimmer of hope appears when he cocks his head in my direction, lips parting and closing again.God, I never watch anyone this closely, but with Sterling, every detail is one more piece to a puzzle I’m desperate to solve.
My gut churns.The urge to fill the silence with words is almost indescribable; it itches under my skin, stretching and pulling at my patience as the seconds tick over.
Is it some sort of power play?Use me as an errand girl while he dangles the promise of a real story in front of me?How did he even know that’s what I wanted?Does he have lunch with Monica and laugh over how naive I am?
My stomach flips over.
Eventually, I accept my fate, slip my headphones on, and let Hayley Williams keep me company as I work.
* * *
I collect the keys to my new place that night and find a letter slipped under my door.
Welcome to the building, neighbor!I’m 704, down the hall.Shout if you need anything or if the music’s too loud.Text if I can’t hear you.Thanks, Lucky
There’s a badly scrawled phone number underneath.I can’t tell if it’s a scam, but I’d rather be safe than sorry, so I crumple the paper up and throw it in the trash.
* * *
Sterling isn’t making it easy to ignore him.
Anyone would think he’s a spy, not a journalist, tailored in all black, his collarbone exposed by the open collar of his shirt.
How am I meant to work like this?It’s completely distracting.
“Maybe you shouldn’t be in the office if you’re having trouble concentrating.”
I tear my eyes away from his throat to find him peering down at me.Huh?
