Page 101 of His Reckoning

“It’s not predictable.”

“You basically proposed a merger.”

“It was practical.”

“She’s a writer, Sawyer.”

“The outcome remains the same.”

Dean grins. “You really think she’s going to take you up on it?”

“Yes.”

He laughs again. “Oh, I hope she does.”

“Why?”

“Because the fallout will be incredible.”

I close the laptop. “This conversation is unproductive.”

Dean stands. “I disagree.” He walks toward the door, then pauses. “You like her.”

I don’t answer.

Dean smiles. “That’s the real problem.”

He leaves, closing the door behind him. I sit here for another minute, staring at the screen. The irritating part isn’t Dean’s assumption. It’s that he might be partially correct.

Not about liking her. That would complicate things unnecessarily. But about one thing: Kayla is definitely a problem.

And the worst part is … I’m starting to enjoy it.

* * *

I leave the office later than usual. Not because the work required it, but because Dean is now watching me. Which means leaving early again would raise questions I’m not interested in answering.

The elevator ride down is quiet. The city outside is already dark, the streetlights reflecting off the glass of nearby buildings. Normally, the drive home is the easiest part of my day.

Tonight, my brain keeps circling the same irritating realization.

Kayla is furious with me.

Not slightly annoyed or mildly irritated. She is actually angry, which should make this situation easier.

Angry people avoid each other.

Except Kayla doesn’t seem to avoid anything. She challenges it and argues with it. Occasionally, she storms down hallways because of it.

I pull into the garage beneath the building and shut off the car. For a moment, I sit there, staring at the steering wheel. Then I shake my head. This is absurd.

She’s a temporary guest.

This entire situation will resolve itself soon when she moves out.

I grab my briefcase and head upstairs.

The apartment is quiet when I step inside. The lights in the living room are on. Kayla is sitting exactly where I expected she would be.