I had a really good time today.
I smile at the screen.
Me too. Drive safe.
Always. Talk tomorrow.
I set the phone down and press my palm to my chest, feeling the frantic rhythm.
I told him this wasn't a date.
I'm a terrible liar.
CHAPTER 13
THE SPARK
KAIDEN
I bringthe car to a stop outside GVM as the late evening light reflects off the glass facade. Emma pushes through the revolving doors in a fitted navy dress that outlines every curve, heels that make her legs look endless. That's when I notice the limp, her pace uneven.
I'm out of the driver's seat before she reaches the curb.
“Hey.” I pull her into a quick hug. The scent of her perfume warms my chest before I step back to open the passenger door. “You're limping. What happened?”
She waves it off, sliding into the leather seat. “Long day, too much standing. These heels are beautiful torture devices.”
When I get in, she's already kicked them off, feet tucked under her on the seat. The red, swollen skin where the straps dug in makes my jaw tighten.
“We have time to swing by your place if you want something more comfortable,” I offer.
She leans her head back, eyes fluttering shut. “It's out of the way. I'll survive. These shoes and I have an understanding. They make my legs look great, and I pretend they're not slowly killing me.”
“That sounds like a toxic relationship.”
She laughs, and some of the knots in my chest loosen. “You have no idea.”
I'm respecting the line she's drawn, though the restraint is starting to feel like a physical weight. We've spent the last week in this strange, tethered orbit. Calls every morning. Texts that punctuate my darkest board meetings.
“Where’s the mystery destination tonight?” she asks.
“A small place in the arts district. The chef does a tasting menu that changes daily.”
“That sounds perfect. I could eat an entire horse right now. Miles had me running reports all day. I skipped lunch.”
The mention of Miles sparks irritation. I'm becoming convinced I need to have a conversation with that man.
The car speakers chime. Ethan's name flashes on the dashboard.
“Sorry, I need to take this.” I hit accept. “What's up?”
“We have a problem.” Ethan's voice is sharp, stripped of its usual ease. “Ravenwood. The pilot school.”
My grip tightens on the steering wheel. “What happened?”
“Fire. Electrical short in the system we installed. Fire department's on scene.” A pause. “Kai, there were kids in the building.”
My hands go cold. “Injuries?”
