“We figured we’d check on you.” Erica eyed me curiously. “Are you two okay?”
I nodded. “Yes. I’m going home.”
“Already?” Albany asked.
It was a test. One that I would pass with flying colors this time. I kissed her, not even caring that we weren’t alone. “I’ll be back. You said you needed time, and I made a promise to let you set the pace.”
She nibbled on her bottom lip. “Okay.”
I dapped Mo up, hugged Erica and Whit, then I left.
Chapter 17
Albany
Ihad a long day full of meetings, of research, and of uncertainty. One thing I didn’t have today? A phone call or even a text from Wes. It had been three days since he’d declared his love for me, told me that he’d wait for me. And he’d stayed true to his word. The only problem is I wasn’t ready for how it felt to not hear his voice, to see his face.
I’d subtly asked around about him, cornered Erica in the mailroom, rushed into the elevator to catch Hendrix. I even casually dropped hints to Granny when I met with her this afternoon. He’d seemingly gone ghost.
“Are you there, Pooh?”
I blinked. “Yes, Grandma. Fourth of July at your house. Should I bring anything?”
“No, baby,” she replied. “I have money to hire chefs.”
I shifted the phone to my other ear as I neared my front door. “Okay.”
“Wear something nice,” she ordered.
My steps faltered when I noticed that my door was ajar. Pausing, I told Grandma I’d call her back. Sighing, I gripped the piece at my hip and readied myself to draw. I pushed the door open.
I scanned the room. It was empty. Nothing seemed out of place, which was not surprising because I didn’t have much. Except for my surveillance equipment, my work computers, my files …Shit. I crept toward the office. When I heard something shatter in the bathroom, I counted to ten before I kicked the door open and …
Bri screamed. “Albany!”
I clicked the safety and dropped my weapon. “What the hell are you doing here?”
“I stopped by after work,” she exclaimed.
My friend was also my emergency contact. Bri had all of my secure information, my important passwords, a spare key, and my security codes. She was also my power of attorney. I secured my firearm. “You scared the shit out of me. I thought you were a criminal.”
“This place is like Fort Knox. How would a criminal get in?”
I shrugged. “I don’t know.” I wiped the sweat off my brow and took a moment to gather my composure.
Bri approached me. “What the fuck is wrong with you?”
“A lot,” I murmured.
Her shoulders fell. “Damn. Did you want to talk about it?”
I walked into my bedroom. “Not really.”
“Good.” She plopped down on my bed.
I glanced at her. “Wow.”
Giggling, she peered up at the ceiling. “I’m sorry. I had a difficult day.”
