“You can take Monday off too, but don’t get used to it.”
“Why?” she asked. “What’s your ulterior motive?”
“It’s a very clear motive, Miss Stone.” I stepped onto the elevator. “The quicker you pass your exam, the quicker I don’t have to worry about dealing with anything else taking your time away from me.”
“I’m sorry I asked.”
“You’re forgiven.”
TWENTY-FIVE
ANDREA
You know I’m not coming downstairs until 7, right?
Dave (Personal Driver )
Yes, Miss Stone.
We’ve been through this a million times this morning…
Sorry. Just can’t believe Mr. Cross actually let me have an entire weekend + Monday off.
Me either.
“Nice moment or not, Your boss is still a butthole.” Everly handed me my thermos. “Until Lisa and I vote otherwise.”
“I agree.” I hugged her. “You sure you don’t want my help moving into your new place tomorrow?”
“You did us enough of a favor by paying a years’ worth of rent on it.” She smiled. “We’ll be fine in luxury without you. Get to work.”
Sliding my books into my backpack, I grabbed my purse and headed outside where Dave was waiting.
He helped me inside the car, and as if he could read my mind, he took the scenic route around the city before taking me to the café.
When I stepped out, I stalled at the sight of Mr. Cross leaning against the hood of a sleek black McLaren.
Butterflies fluttered in my stomach as he took off his shades.
Wearing a light blue dress shirt and slacks, his sleeves pushed up to his elbows, he looked entirely too comfortable standing there. The diamonds in his watch caught the light when he straightened.
What was he doing here?
“Good morning, Miss Stone,” he said, smiling. “Good to see that you were being honest about studying here today.”
“I’m off today,” was all I could say. “You promised.”
“I did promise.”
“So, go away.”
A slow smile spread across his face as he moved closer to me, stopping right in front of me—close enough that I could feel the warmth radiating from him.
He grabbed my hand and pulled me toward the door—into a nearly empty café.
I looked around, confused as to why it wasn’t teeming with students or early morning commuters.
“Good morning.” A barista moved from behind the counter and began pulling down the shades on the far wall.
