Istop on the sidewalk, tipping my head back and eyeing the tall building in front of me, running my eyes over the sign—Reynolds & Media Co.
It’s been almost eight months since the last time I stood in this exact spot, gearing up to head inside and catch Christopher in the act. I’m not even sure what I would’ve seen if I had ever overcome my nerves that day, but I was prepared to take that chance—anything to get out of the rotting web he had tangled around me.
Today, I feel just as nervous. It’s more anticipation that flutters in my belly, a soft heat that melts into my bones. I drag air into my lungs, shimmying my shoulders as I build my courage, readying myself to walk through those front doors and make my way to the tenth floor.
I’ve dressed the part with a dark blue sheath dress and black pumps, and I spent over an hour adding the perfect careless waves into my thick hair. I’m wearing a little more makeup than usual, but I feel good, and it shows.
Before I can even take a step toward the doors, a deep voice says from behind me, “This feels a little like déjà vu.”
I whirl around with a gasp, my eyes locking with Grafton’s icy blue ones. He’s wearing a blue silk shirt—one I picked out for him—with the buttons open at his tanned throat, both tie and jacket missing. His hands are tucked in the pockets of his dark pants, his stance casual as he watches me, a small smile playing on his mouth.
“You’re not supposed to be down here,” I blurt accusingly. “You’re supposed to be up there!” I jab a finger toward the building, my cheeks warming when he flicks up one dark brow.
“Am I?” he asks slowly, amusement flickering through his eyes. He looks at the building, and then back at me, and my palms go clammy. I try to subtly brush them against my dress as Grafton’s eyes dip, locking on the base of my throat—right where my pulse is fluttering rapidly—before trailing lazily over my body. I shift, pressing my legs together, and his smirk grows wider as I narrow my eyes at him.
“Yes,” I return primly. I lift my wrist, making a show of checking my watch. “You don’t finish for another couple of hours.”
He crosses his arms over his broad chest, his shirt pulling tightly at the shoulders. My breath catches before I realize I’m staring, and I jerk my gaze to his, only to catch his knowing look.
“You here to surprise me, darling?” Grafton asks, voice gravelly and stroking my skin like a physical touch. He steps close enough that his shoes are on either side of mine, his thighs brushing against my dress. My entire vision narrows down to him, and I blink dazedly up at him as he says, “Because I’m definitely surprised.”
My confidence soars as it always seems to nearthis man. There is never any doubt about the fact that he wants me. It’s not just about the person he thinks I am, or the different versions of me he gets. I’m a mother, a student, and an almost business owner, and he wants all of it.
After a lifetime of being pigeon-holed into one role—and that role never being enough for my family or my ex-husband—having this man obsess over everything is the cure I didn’t even know I needed.
I bite my bottom lip, and a sharp exhale escapes Grafton before he reaches up to cup my chin, dragging my lip free from my teeth with his thumb.
“Well, I actually…” I lift a hand, pressing it to the cool fabric covering his chest. “I’m here for a meeting. I don’t have time to slack off with you.”
Amusement flashes through his eyes. “Is that right?” He ducks down, catching my mouth with his, but it’s over too quickly. “Come on, then, darling. I’ll walk you in for your meeting.” His lips quirk on the last word.
The walk up to Grafton’s floor is vastly different from the last time I was here, and most of it comes from the fact that I’m happy, every step light without the baggage of my marriage weighing me down.
Judith looks up as we leave the elevator, approaching her desk outside Grafton’s office, her eyes brightening as she catches sight of me.
“Lynley! This is a nice surprise.”
Grafton feigns confusion. “But she has an appointment…” He only laughs when I elbow him in the gut.
Judith sends us a bemused look right before she clears her throat. “That’s right.” She looks at her daily planner on the desk, mouth pursed as she taps the page with her finger. “Right here—Lynley, twoo’clock.”
Grafton hums. “Of course. It must have…slipped my mind.”
I roll my lips inward to hide my smile. “I’ve heard that happens as you get older.”
His hand slides over my hip, giving me a light pinch through my dress. “Like that, is it?” Grafton murmurs, just low enough that Judith won’t catch it. I meet his challenging stare with one of my own, and he huffs out a laugh. “Alright, then, baby.” He looks at his assistant. “Cancel the rest of my afternoon, Judith, and take off early.”
She grins. “You got it, boss.” She looks between us, affecting a mock stern look. “You kids behave.”
His brows lower. “I’m pretty sure I’m older than you.”
She stares back at him, unfazed. “That doesn’t mean you know how to behave.”
He doesn’t bother responding, placing his large hand on the small of my back and urging me forward. The skin from his palm is hot, searing me through the fabric of my dress, and I hide a shiver as I walk into the office, goose bumps lifting over my skin when the door firmly shuts behind us, and the lock clicks into place with finality.
I approach his desk, noticing how tidy everything is, trailing my fingers along the edge.
“Who’s grabbing the kids from school?”
