She’s right. Things like this don’t happen in Clore County. It’s sleepy and touristy with more land covered in agriculture than people. It’s not impossible for it to all be a coincidence, but it’s also not likely that it is.
“Alright,” I finally say, rubbing the back of my neck. “I see your point. If you want me to present this to Vorheis, I will and I’ll make sure to tell him it came from you.” I stand, and nod to indicate her time is up. “But next time, Morales? Call first.”
She grins, sauntering ahead of me toward the door. It’s only now that I actually take in what she’s wearing—jeans so tight they might as well be painted on, hugging curves her work uniform usually keeps under wraps. Her top isn’t much better, clinging in a way that leaves little to the imagination. Unlike the ponytail she wears at work, her hair is down in soft waves and she’s wearing more makeup than usual. She’s not unattractive. But she’s not Ellie.
She pauses at the door and a wave of unease rolls through me. I’m hoping like hell she’s not about to make things fucking awkward.
“Next time let’s wait for work. I like my days off.”
She bats her eyelashes. “Where’s the fun in that?”
Leaning closer, she invades me with a putrid floral smell.
Fuck.
I pull the door open, all but pushing her out, when she suddenly stops short. Confused, I glance over to see what’s holding her up.
My heart drops like a brick.
It’s Ellie.
CHAPTER 11
Elyse
DELICATE CURSIVE LETTERS
PRESENT
Someone needs to commit me because I have lost my fucking mind.
Dominic stands there, jaw slack, while his little girlfriend shoots me a gloating smirk.
This was a mistake.
My lips turn up, in what I hope is a smile, but I’m sure looks more like a grimace. A gasp floats up my throat and my chest heaves, trying to take in air that isn’t coming.Am I hyperventilating?
“I’ll come back another time,” I choke out, and sprint toward my car.
Over the crunching of gravel under my shoes, I hear Dominic behind me, but I don’t turn around. This is mortifying.
“Wait! Wait! Wait!” Dominic shouts.
I keep walking, my skin burning redder with each step.
“Morales, I’ll see you at work,” he tells the woman who was just in his house.
My ears snag on the mention of work, but I’m too focused on how pretty, and flushed, and thoroughly satisfied she looked, to fully comprehend the scene I stumbled upon. They were probably saying their goodbyes after fucking all night, and I’m so lucky I got to witness it.
I’ve never felt so embarrassed in my life.
And, God, she’s pretty.So pretty.
I’m sure every woman he’s been with since me has been gorgeous. I wouldn’t expect anything less. Dominic has only gotten better with age.
“Ellie, wait!” I feel him right at my heels, the pounding of his steps moves the ground beneath mine.
Still not looking back, I reach for the handle of my car door, but before I can pull it open, his hand slams against the window, holding it shut. His arm grazes against my shoulder, and he’s so close now I can feel the puff of his breath on the back of my neck.
