Page 69 of What Comes Around

Still holding him, I stepped back from the doorway so everyone could come inside. Payton and Thomas followed me into the house while Amy and Liam drifted in behind them, grocery bags rustling as they set them down in the kitchen.

The little boy stayed in my arms as we walked into the living room, his small hand gripping the collar of my shirt while he looked around with open curiosity. The others moved through the house, pausing to look into the rooms that were still half empty.

Payton turned slowly in the living room, taking everything in, while Amy immediately started commenting on where furniture should go.

The evening unfolded easily after that, slipping into a warm rhythm of food, stories, and familiar teasing. At one point Payton’s son discovered the piano and insisted on pressing a few keys, which made everyone laugh.

When the last guests left, the house felt pleasantly lived‑in for the first time.

On Monday, work picked up as usual.

Around midmorning, Tim from Marketing appeared on our floor, wearing his usual bright smile.

“Ladies,” he greeted, giving Claire and Nora a little wave as he passed their desks.

They perked up immediately.

“Hey, Tim,” Claire said, twirling her pen.

“Morning,” Nora added, already grinning like she knew something was about to happen.

Tim made his way toward my desk. “Hey, Ashley. Got a minute?”

I looked up from my screen. “Sure.”

He leaned against the edge of my desk. “Just wanted to check in. See how you’re settling into the new house. And…”

Before he could finish, Nora’s voice cut across the floor.

“Tim! You should ask Ashley out with us on Friday!”

My head snapped toward her. “Nora.”

“What?” she said, shrugging. “You never go out. You’ve been here six months. It’s time.”

Priya, from two desks over, chimed in. “He can be your escort. Very safe. Very respectable.”

Claire wiggled her brows at me behind her monitor.

Tim laughed awkwardly. “Uh… well, I mean, yeah, we’re all grabbing drinks. Ashley’s welcome.”

I opened my mouth to respond when the elevator dinged again.

And the entire atmosphere shifted.

Knox stepped out, gray suit, white shirt, paisley tie. Controlled. Sharp. Focused.

Everyone greeted him with polite hellos, and he nodded back, but his eyes were already locked on someone.

Tim.

At my desk.

His jaw tightened as he walked over, stopping beside us.

“What are you doing here again?” Knox asked, voice low.

Tim blinked. “Sir? I.. I just came up for a moment. I was inviting Ashley to join some coworkers for drinks on Friday. Just a friendly thing.”