“Yep.”
“I was thinking we could grab dinner sometime. There’s this new place in Tribeca that’s supposed to be incredible.”
“That’s very kind, but I can’t.”
“Can’t, or won’t?” He was still smiling, but there was an edge to it now.
“Both, honestly. It wouldn’t be appropriate.”
“Appropriate?” He laughed, and it sounded mean. “That’s funny, coming from you.”
My stomach dropped. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“I mean, Dane gets to play girlfriend with you, but I can’t take you to dinner?” He leaned in closer, and I could smell his very aggressive, cloying cologne. “What makes him so special? Because he’s the CEO? Because he signs your paychecks?”
“Medium latte for Ina!” the barista called.
I grabbed my cup like it was a life preserver.
“Gotta run,” I said, already moving toward the door.
“Think about it,” Keith called after me. “You know where to find me.”
I practically ran out of the coffee shop, my heart hammering. I hurried toward the exit, just wanting to get outside, get to the subway, and get home.
The automatic doors slid open and I was hit with a blast of frigid air. It was snowing, fat flakes swirling in the wind. The sidewalk was already turning white.
I pulled my coat tighter and was about to head toward the subway entrance when I heard the sound of a car engine.
Dane’s silver car emerged from the entrance to the lower-level parking garage, pulling up alongside the curb. He made eye contact with me and rolled down the window. “Ina, hey.”
I glanced over my shoulder to see if Keith was following. He wasn’t. “Have a good weekend, Dane,” I said with a polite smile.
“You shouldn’t be out in this weather. You’re still recovering.” He gestured at the snow, which was coming down harder by the second. “Let me drive you.”
“I don’t want to be an inconvenience.”
“You’re not. Get in.”
I hesitated, glancing over my shoulder back toward the building once again. The coffee shop windows were visible from here, and I could swear I saw Keith’s silhouette watching us. I did not want to give him any additional ammunition to use against me.
“Ina.” Dane’s voice was gentler now. “Get in the car.”
“I’m fine. It’s a short walk.”
“It’s snowing, you’re shivering, and I’m going in your direction anyway. Please.”
He hopped out of his car and walked around to open the passenger door. I looked over my shoulder one more time—Keith was definitely watching—and then walked to the car. His luxury car was a million times better than the crowded subway that smelled like wet dog.
As I moved past Dane to slide into the passenger seat, his hand found the small of my back, just for a moment. It was so natural and so dangerous.
He closed the door once I was settled, then got in the driver’s side. The interior was warm, and I immediately felt the tension in my shoulders starting to ease. He pushed a button and thirty seconds later I felt heat warming my backside.
“Thank you,” I said as he maneuvered into the heavy evening traffic.
“You looked like you were running from something.” He glanced at me briefly before returning his attention to the road. “Or someone.”
I wrapped my hands around my latte, using it as a hand warmer. “Can we talk like friends for a second? Not boss and assistant?”
