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I let him believe that by quickly changing the subject. “I had some thoughts about a new cologne for men.”
It’s not a lie. I have been typing notes into my phone about the formulation of a new cologne. It’s still in the ‘brewing-in-my-head’ stage, but there’s a real possibility it can turn into something worthwhile with a lot of additions, modifications, and perfecting.
“I’m hanging out with Cameron for most of the day tomorrow, so let’s talk it over at work on Monday morning,” he suggests.
“That sounds good to me.”
“You’ll handle the details of Kirby Thorsen’s visit to the lab?” He rubs a fingertip over the center of his forehead. “I’m sure Mr. Black will approve it.”
Since he signed off on the stripper-gram and Telford’s proposal idea, I can’t see why he’d deny a child’s curiosity in science. Besides, he’s encouraged to invite my sister and parents to the lab for months.
“I’ll send him an email,” I tell him. “I’ll copy Eda on that. She’ll appreciate being in the loop.”
“We have it good at Matiz, don’t we?”
I nod. “It’s my dream job.”
“Mine too.” He smiles. “I’ll ride the subway with you back to Abby and Declan’s place before I head home.”
I’d shoo him away in the direction of his apartment since it’s so close, but I know Tel, and he’s a gentleman through and through. Besides, he’s one of the few New Yorkers I know who rides the subway just for fun sometimes.
“It is late,” I acquiesce. “I’d appreciate the company, Tel.”
“I know.” He reaches for my hand. “If I haven’t said it before, you’re like a sister to me.”
Tears prick my eyes, but I keep them at bay with a heavy swallow. “I’m glad because you’re like a brother to me.”
“You’ll be my kids’ Aunt when they’re born.”
Nodding, I squeeze his hand. “I like seeing you this happy.”
“I’m on the cusp of the life I’ve always wanted.” He kisses my hand lightly. “Seeing your sister get married hit me hard. I could really picture that being Cameron and me, and I need to make it happen. I will make it happen.”
“I know you will.”
“I meant what I said earlier,” he tentatively circles back to the conversation we had inside the café. “Rook Thorsen is feeling something for you. If you feel anything at all for him, see where it goes. What’s the worst that can happen?”
I’ll end up with a shattered heart.
I don’t say that to Telford because he’ll try to convince me that the risk is worth the reward, but I’m not sure it is, and there’s nothing anyone can say to change my mind.
I laugh as I reread the text message Rook sent to me just as I was getting into bed.
Rook: Give it to me straight, Carrie. Does that mural give you nightmares?
I turn toward the nightstand, so the light emanating from the lamp on it floods my phone’s screen.
I type out a response and hit send.
Carrie: Only sweet daydreams.
His reply is almost instant.
Rook: Do I ever show up in those daydreams?
Only all of them.
I resist typing that into the screen of my phone. Instead, I go for something less ‘I have a massive crush on you’ and more ‘I want you to fuck me again.’
