Page 89 of Threaded Lies

He’s there now.

My heart thunders in my chest. My mind spirals out of control.

I beg myself not to believe the thoughts I’m thinking.

“Rowan?” he asks. “What are you doing here?”

I freeze as he turns and moves to the doorway of his office to study me. His collar is undone, the top two buttons open.

“I forgot a folder. A contract to go over.” I hook a thumb over my shoulder. “I have plans. With the girls.”

He takes a few steps toward me but something makes him stop. He angles his head and looks closer. “Everything okay?”

I nod. I swallow. “Yes. It’s Saturday. What are you doing here?”

“I’m always working.”

“Yes. Uh-huh.”

“Meetings.” He shoves his hands in his pockets but doesn’t come any closer. “It’s easier to hold them without prying eyes.”

“Your world domination continues,” I say flatly.

“Something like that.” He takes a few steps closer and is in my personal space before I realize it. He reaches out to frame my face. “Hey? You sure you’re okay?”

I nod. “Yeah.”

He dips his head down and brushes his lips to mine. “Promise?”

“Mm-hmm.”

Another tender kiss that has the doubts fading and then reappearing the minute our lips part. “Don’t have too much fun without me.”

The lump in my throat makes it feel tight to breathe. “Never.”

I take a step back. Then another. He watches me all the way until I turn the corner.

Holden Knight.

Meetings. It’s easier to hold them without prying eyes.

Master of secrets.

And he wonders why I still keep mine?

THIRTY-ONE

Rowan

“That’s not a good idea,” I say and project my voice to my phone that’s sitting on Gran’s desk.

“It’s not a good idea to come pay you a visit?” Holden’s voice comes through its speaker.

“No.”

“But you didn’t come into the office today.”

“I needed the quiet so I could concentrate on this proposal for you without interruptions. Much like you and your Saturday meetings.” I told myself I wasn’t going to bring it up, but there I go, bringing it up first chance I talk to him.