“It was a family emergency,” he said. “I had to – I just had to go.”
He looked so defeated that the tirade of criticism I had planned faded away. “Oh God, I’m so sorry.” I was dying to know exactly what had happened, but I didn’t want to pry. “Is everything – should you even be here?”
“Of course I should,” he snapped.
“Hey, I was just worried about you.”
“You were?”
“Well, yeah.” How could I not be? “You didn’t call, I thought we were writing last night.”
“Right.” He closed his eyes, pained. “We have a lot of catching up to do, I’m sorry. Did you do anything fun last night?”
I thought of Ralf, his lips on mine and felt vaguely sick. “No.”
Elliot frowned. “Everything all right?”
“Of course.” I nodded so hard I slopped cereal on the work surface. No way was Elliot allowed to hear about what Ralf did. “We should get to work; let me clear this up and I’ll be right with you.”
With a suspicious nod, Elliot sloped off and I took a few moments to wipe up my mess. As I placed the used bowl and spoon into the dishwasher, Ralf suddenly appeared at my side.
“Morning,” he said, a sheepish grin on his face.
Oh God.“Hi.”
“I just want to make sure there’s no awkwardness between us,” he said. “Sorry again for last night. It didn’t mean anything, and I’d hate for you to be uncomfortable.”
“It’s fine, I’m not,” I said. “Although I hope Vivian didn’t get the wrong impression.”
“Right.” he said in a strangled voice. “Sure.”
“So, let’s not mention it,” I pleaded. “Ever.”
“Agreed.” He dipped his head to catch my eye. “Because I’d hate to think one kiss could be—”
“You guys KISSED?” Juno stood there, her eyes wide, mouth gaping.
“No!” I yelped just as Ralf replied, “Maybe a little.” He shot me an apologetic glance.
“Not at all, actually,” I corrected him irritably before turning back to Juno. “I mean it.”
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to cause a fight,” Juno said without a single note of apology in her voice.
“You didn’t!” I said quickly.
“Don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone about your forbidden love.” Juno giggled as she headed over to the coffee machine.
“Juno,” I growled.
“Okay, okay.” She lifted in her hands defensively. “Perhaps I’m mistaken, perhaps Ralf begging you to—”
“Begging?” Ralf interrupted, “I don’t need to beg for anything.”
“Sure, Ralf.” Juno smirked.
I shot Ralf a disgusted glance and stomped out of the kitchen, face aflame. It was bad enough Juno overhearing our conversation and getting things twisted but for Ralf to act like he was the office Romeo was downright gross.
Elliot was midway through an epic yawn and stretch as I crankily forced my way through the stiff door. “You good?” he asked.
