I knew I had to get up.Things would be uncomfortable.But we’d get past it.And anyway, he’d be back in New York soon.And this moment would be another one in a long list of moments I’d rather forget.
His warm palm caressed my back, up and down, then up again.He didn’t seem even slightly uncomfortable with our position.“Does this mean you don’t eat chocolate?”
A raspy laugh burst out of me.“I love chocolate.”
His body relaxed underneath me, and he leaned back into the couch.I hadn’t realized how tight he’d been holding himself.How straight he’d been sitting.
I leaned away from him but didn’t get far since his hold was still firm.Scraping together the last of my courage, I lifted my head, meeting his eyes.“I’m sorry about freaking out.This had nothing to do with you.And I promise, I’ll be professional from now on.”
His hand on my back stilled, and I almost arched back into it, doing my best impression of a cat asking for more pets.“You have nothing to be sorry for.”
Wiping my face that was now no doubt flushed on top of the red eyes I’d be sporting, I willed my heart to stop beating so fast.“How about I show you the rest of the office?”
Untangling myself took a few attempts, but he eventually released me.I guess he was worried I’d collapse into a heap on the floor and start weeping again.A legit concern since I was still feeling a little raw.
The office tour took all of two minutes.He stuck his head into what would be his room, nodding at the boxes stacked up along one wall.“What’s in those?”
“Mostly Keely’s law magazines and books.She never throws anything out.I’m pretty sure you can access all of them online, but she said they hold sentimental value.And the rest are files.”
He stepped back out, one side of his mouth curling up in amusement.“No problem.There’s still plenty of space.”
That was debatable, but I commended his positive attitude.The desk was pushed up against the window opposite the door, looking out over an alleyway.I knew he was used to a much nicer view since I’d seen it in the background of our video calls.Now, instead of an impressive skyline, he’d have to look at Rosie from next door throwing her boyfriend’s stuff in the dumpster only for him to fish it out again a few hours later.
It was a regular occurrence since they broke up about once a week.
“There are supplies in the closet in the hallway.Help yourself to whatever you need.I texted you the Wi-Fi password.Is there anything else I can do to help you get comfortable?”
His mouth relaxed into a soft smile.“I think I have everything.”
“Okay.Well, I’ll be outside if you need me.Notoutside, outside.I meant outside in the reception area.”
Turning around before my head exploded from the heat of my cheeks, I escaped to my desk.
I could have sworn I heard him chuckle.
I was deep into sorting out Keely’s calendar when a throat cleared right next to me.My body jolted and I pushed my chair back abruptly.If not for the arm stopping my descent, I would have landed on the floor.
Vance leaned down, plucking me up from my half-standing, half-sitting position on the edge of the seat.“Sorry for scaring you.I thought you heard me when I knocked on the doorframe.”
Standing up, I straightened my clothes, a red flush no doubt staining my cheeks.“Did you find everything you need?”
“I did.But now I’m hungry.Let’s go get lunch.”
The tips of our feet nearly touched, we were standing so close.The desk was behind me, so I couldn’t step back.And Vance made no move to put more space between us.
Is it hot in here?
I gripped my dress to stop my hands from fanning my face.“Lunch?”
“Yes, lunch.The meal you eat after breakfast but before dinner?”
Smartass.
“There’s a cute little diner a five-minute walk from here if you go in the direction of the police station.You can’t miss it.It’s bright blue.”
He put one of his giant mitts around my upper arm.“Good thing you’re coming with me so there’s no chance I’ll get lost on the way.”
I turned, pointing in the direction of my computer.“Actually, I have to work.Keely will be in soon, and I need to sort out her calendar.She’s hopeless at keeping up with all of her appointments.I’m still trying to figure out what ‘Chartlaatt coma’ means.”
