“God, you’re annoying sometimes. If you’d just let others share the load, you wouldn’t be carrying so much that it’s weighing you down.”
“Again, that’s kind of what Zane said.”
“Seems like he knows you.” Cade smiles and I allow myself the hint of a grin before the dread returns.
“He does, and I know him too. Which is why I’m certain he’s not in a good place. Come on. Let’s get moving. I’ve got a plane to catch.”
With my stride confident, I head for the concierge’s desk and internally curse when it’s the same blonde who was here last week. The one that practically eye fucked Zane from the moment he stepped out of the car.
She’s smiling as she talks on the phone, but when she sees me, it fades. “I’ve got to go. I’ll call you back.” She hangs up and fakes a grin. “Can I help you?”
“Yes, I’m here with Zane Fitzpatrick but he’s not answering his phone. Can you buzz me up?”
There’s a brief moment of awkward silence as she stares my way, until she bursts out laughing. “Do you know how many times I’ve heard that? Look, I’m sorry he fucked you and never called. But if I let every scorned woman up to either knee him in the balls or beg for a second go, he’d never have peace. And I’d be fired.”
My stomach rolls and for the briefest second, I let her get to me until I force the doubt back down.
“Are you finished?” I fold my arms over my chest, thinning my lips so I don’t say anything more. And she fucking laughs.
“Yep. I’m done. Have a nice day.”
“I’m not leaving. You saw me here, with my bags, when I first arrived last week. Then again three days later. Do you think that sounds like a one-night stand?”
“Three-night stand then. It’s the same deal.”
“Call him.”
“You said he’s not answering.”
“Then how about you go up and knock on his door, or let me do it. It’s important.”
“Fine. I’ll call him.”
She picks up her phone just as mine rings with Nathan’s name flashing across the screen, taunting me. Nathan. Nathan. Nathan. Not Zane. Zane. Zane.
I don’t have time for this. “Nathan?”
“You answered. How are you?” His voice wavers but I don’t have time to question it.
“I’m fine. But now’s not a good time. Can I call you back?”
I’m not even sure why I answered, but it was better than staring at the blonde’s smug face while her call rang out.
“Please, Blair, I just need a second. It’s important.”
“No answer.” Blondie smirks and my nose flares as I glance down at her badge. Kate. Fucking Kate.
“Try him again,” I demand, convinced she probably faked the last one.
“I’m sorry but Mr. Fitzpatrick isn’t here.”
“You don’t know that or you would have told me when I first walked in. Try him a—”
“He’s not there,” Nathan blurts with some urgency, momentarily stunning me.
“What?”
“He stopped by our place earlier today.”
