We gather our belongings, slip on our shoes, and head toward the elevator. The cool air of the hallway raises goose bumps on my damp skin, and I find myself gravitating toward Misha’s warmth as we step into the elevator. I lean against him, closing my eyes and letting out a contented sigh as he wraps an arm around me, planting a soft kiss on the top of my head.
“Tired, Bug?” he asks, his voice a low rumble in his chest.
I nod, feeling the exhaustion of the day settling into my bones. The excitement and pleasure from earlier have left me pleasantly drained, every muscle in my body relaxing into a state of blissful fatigue.
Grey’s voice cuts through my drowsy haze. “You should come up to our place. You can take a shower, borrow some clothes, and we’ll order Chinese. Just chill out for the evening.”
I crack open an eye, peering at Grey. “Areyouchill?” I ask, a hint of concern lacing my tone.
We did this to makehimrelax, not blissmeout.
A smile spreads across his face, softer than his usual smirk. “More than chill,” he assures me.
“Good. Then yes, please.” I reach out, taking Grey’s hand in mine, then grasp Oliver’s with my other.
Nestled between them as the elevator ascends, I realize that the beta test might have just ended.
I think I’m ready to launch this relationship.
TWENTY-TWO
A knotof guilt tightens in my stomach as I make my way down to Amelia’s office. The chatter about Elysium’s AR project announcement still echoes in my ears from lunch, and Amelia’s uncharacteristic silence weighs heavily on me.
I need to figure this out before they launch it.
I’ve tried everything to trace the project, even sneaking another round of research in last night while Amelia slept on the couch beside me, but there’s nothing.
It’s like the company’s wiped all traces of it.
Except the big announcements that are on every screen in the hallway and cafeteria.
I’m contemplating approaching the CEO to inquire about it as an employee—to ask who’s leading the project so I could see if this work could potentially integrate with Jamie. I would tell them that I may see an opportunity for AI-steered lensless AR, which I absolutely do, but I’m only ever going to collaborate on that with Amelia when we have our own company. I want to build something new with her, separate from Elysium, where we can pursue our vision and create innovations on our own terms.
I would be willing to give them some ideas and hints of what is possible, though, if it means I’d get the informationweneed.However, before I can articulate this or even ask the guys what they think about this approach, I know I have to ask Amelia for her permission.
It’s her work, after all, and I’ve promised to respect her boundaries.
Even if it’s killing me to do so.
But when I push open her door, the office is empty. Frowning, I check my watch. It’s only four p.m. She shouldn’t be already gone for the day, even if it is Friday. And I checked her calendar before I got down here—there were no meetings scheduled.
Is she out in the hallway, stealing some more fish?
No, she wouldn’t risk that with it still being so busy.
I need to finally ask her what’s up with that anyway.
Sighing, I pull out my phone and open the tracker app. I haven’t told Misha or Oliver that it’s still on her phone. They haven’t asked, and honestly, I’m not ready to give up that peace of mind yet.
Not until this beta test of a relationship is solid.
The app shows Amelia’s location at Denny Park. A growl rumbles in my throat. This just proves keeping the tracker was the right call. Without a word to anyone, she’s taken off to the park and is probably playing piano without anybody watching her back.
Concern and frustration bubble up inside me as I speed-walk toward the elevator. My mind races with possibilities—what if something happened to her again?
The ding of the elevator snaps me back to reality, and I step inside, jabbing the button for the ground floor. The elevator descends, and I try to calm my nerves, reminding myself that Amelia is resourceful and strong. But the knot in my stomach tightens with every passing second. The doors slide open, and I make a beeline for the exit, my heart pounding in my chest.
Denny Park isn’t far, but the distance feels like miles as I hurry through the bustling streets.
