“Élodie. Comment vas-tu?” I ask.
“I’m good,” she replies in English. “I just want to thank you again for your help with Étienne.” She mumbles that second part under her breath while glancing around to be sure no one else is within earshot.
“I told you not to thank me,” I reply, touching her arm and guiding her away from the crowd and toward the back wall, where we have more privacy. “How is he feeling?”
“He’s all better now.”
“Good.”
Normally, I find it very easy to hold my scowl, but for some reason, at the mention of the boy feeling better, I have to fight the grin that wants to stretch across my face. To my chagrin, she notices immediately.
“And how are you, Monsieur Kade?” There’s a cheeky taunting tone to her voice, and if I didn’t like Élodie so much, I’d hate her for it.
I adjust my suit collar, pressing my lips together to keep from smiling. “Fine.”
She pokes my chest. “Something has changed with you. You’re in a good mood.”
“I’m in no mood,” I say, trying to appear aloof. Failing to, I might add.
“It’s nice,” she replies, a satisfied expression on her face. “To see you smile. You should do it more.”
With a shake of my head, I press my lips together as I tease her. “Get back to work.”
“Yes, sir,” she replies with a playful salute before jogging off with a laugh.
I know she’s right. I am in a good mood. Things with Jack might be falling apart, but things with Archer and Freya couldn’t be better. With my back pressed against the wall, Jack’s words come back to my mind.
I don’t know if you should be anyone’s partner.
I know he meant in a work setting, but I can’t help but wonder if he’s right. If Archer and Freya show me love, will I be able to reciprocate it? If they open their hearts to me, can I promise them the same?
I don’t blame Jack for putting a mirror in front of my face, because in my heart, I know he’s right. I am a terrible partner. And it stands to reason that I would probably make a terrible boyfriend too.
Rule #20: Surprise him at work when you can.
Archer
I’m restless tonight. There’s no fight on the schedule.Freya had to get to bed early to assist on a catering job tomorrow morning. Julian is working at the club. I don’t have a damn thing to do, and I’m still riding the high from that date last night and restaurant shopping today.
Freya: I can’t stop thinking about the third property we saw today. The one in Montmartre.
Smiling down at my phone on the Métro, I type out my response.
Archer: It was the magic of that blow job I watched you give Julian.
Freya: Who, me? I would never.
Julian: Yes, you would. And you did.
Archer: So is number three the one?
Freya: I think so.
Freya: I’m nervous.
Julian: I could see you in that one. It was perfect for you.
Freya: Let me sleep on it. This still feels surreal.
