I can’t help the smile, despite the evidence I found this morning.
Nova:I’m fine. I did go home with Owen last night, actually. He was so wasted, he passed out with his clothes on.
Evan:Oh man! I so hoped you’d get into those tight pants of his!
I laugh this time.
Nova:I did. This morning.
Jax:Oh Fuuuuuck!!!
Evan:YES!!!! FINALLY!!!!
Everything may be going to shit, but at least I can savor these ridiculous moments before my reality changes.
Evan:Was it good? Wait, don’t tell me. I don’t think I could handle it if you said no.
I send a few fire emojis and nothingelse.
Evan:DAMN GIRL!!!
My phone buzzes with a new message.
Owen:You dressed?
Nova:Yes.
Owen:Can I take you to lunch?
Nova:Yes.
Owen:Pick you up in 5.
I decide to take Noah’s advice. I’ll take whatever time I have with Owen, no matter how short. No matter what happens.
Chapter 28
Ispend all of Sunday with Owen. He takes me out to lunch by the beach, and we talk and laugh. I almost believe that this could be our future.
Almost.
He gives me back my job, telling me it’s to keep an eye on me. Whatever his reason, I’m grateful. It means I can continue figuring out how to save him.
Owen relents when I beg to help him. He gives me access to his company account. That’s where I start, hoping that both Gray and I can find a lead somewhere in this mess.
“I think I’ll keep you, Miss Riley,” Owen says, leaning against my desk with two cups of coffee in hand on Monday morning. Having spent the night together and not wanting to come in early to work out, we find ourselves starting the morning a little later than usual.
I smirk, keeping my focus on my research, combing through company documents and emails from the first victim. “Why’s that, Mr. Mills?”
“Because I actually sleep with you around.”
I finally turn away from the computer and reach for the cup. “Shockingly, I do too.”
Owen winks. “I tire you out.”
I roll my eyes at the insinuation, but this time I’m smiling. Instead of playing into his hands, I switch tactics. “That’s because you don’t protect your left side, so I have to hit you over and over again just to get it through your thick skull. It tires us both out.”
Owen lets out an exasperated sound, but I catch his dimple staring at me over the computer screen. “Perhaps that’s why my skull is so thick. Been hit too many times.”
