“Well okay, but just this once.”
“Thank you so much.” Madelyn winks at me. “Tragedy averted.”
“That was a close call.” I laugh.
“I just need for you to complete some paperwork.” She hands me a thick packet and pen.
“Cin.”
Is my mind playing tricks on me? Please tell me that’s not who I think it is calling my name. I slowly turn my head to see Art descending the stairs with a little boy at his side. I wonder if that’s his son. Art is too damn sexy for his own good in a pair of dark tan slacks with a white short-sleeved shirt displaying his fire tattoo.
“What a pleasant surprise, Art. It’s been a while since I bumped into you here.” Adrian shakes hands with my tormentor. “I see you two have already met.”
“Yeah, we go way back,” Art says.
“What a coincidence. Cin and I have been dating for about six weeks.”
The vein in Art’s neck beats wildly, contradicting his calm demeanor.
“Make sure you keep an eye on this one. She had all the boys running after her in high school.”
I’m sweating bullets, scared to death of what he’ll tell Adrian about me.
“I can handle it.” He turns to me. “Art started this nonprofit in honor of his brother.”
Art smiles—if you could call the expression he’s making a smile.
I can’t form words. My cognitive function is disappearing. There’s the universe fucking with me again.
“Are you okay?” Adrian asks.
I can only nod my head in response.
“I’m bored,” Sebastian complains.
“Mason, why don’t you take Sebastian to the arcade? Is that okay with you, Cinnamon? Just until you finish the paperwork. Children can get restless so quickly,” Madelyn suggests.
“That’s fine.” I lick my dry lips.
Both boys run off.
“Where did you two meet?”
“Senior year in high school,” Art answers.
My body begins to shiver under his piercing glare.
“Cin is interested in a position here.” Adrian is oblivious to the tension surrounding us.
“I’ll interview you today.”
“No, that’s okay. I’m sure you’re really busy.”
“I am, but I can make time for an old friend.”
“I can’t stay out late today. I have to get home and help my mom do something.” Fuck, I couldn’t think of anything else to say.
“It’ll only take twenty minutes, tops.”
