Page 83 of Angel

“Didn’t you hear me knocking?”

“Why would I? I told you I have trouble sleeping. I wear earplugs.”

I feel like a fool. He must think I’m the strangest woman alive.

He turns and that direct gaze shreds my guilt into a giant red flag that waves above my head.

“Um, Jason.”

I want to tell him about Angel. To offload my demons. There should be nothing between us. I want to move this on—with him. Not a fantasy figure.

All the time I’m allowing myself to be fucked by Angel, in every sense of the word, I’m keeping Jason at arm’s length. Perhaps that’s why he’s being so cold. He senses my mind is somewhere else entirely.

“I’m sorry, Sophie, it’s just that I’m running late this morning. Perhaps we could catch up after work. We have the party tonight and can talk in the car on the way if it’s important.”

I detect him pulling away from me before we’ve even begun, which hurts like hell and I’m not sure why.

“Um, of course. You’re a busy man.”

I chew on my lower lip, wishing there wasn’t this void opening up between us. Something is off. He is not the man I laughed and talked with last night.

Did I talk in my frigging sleep or something? Perhaps I moaned Angel’s name. I wouldn’t be surprised if I did.

My face is on fire as I revisit what I did. My mind is a whore, the trouble is, it’s a fantasy I would be up for any day of the week.

Jason points to the plate of pancakes he has drizzled in syrup, with some chopped bananas and strawberries piled high and my heart curls in pleasure.

“You’re a keeper, Jason Prince.”

My smile is wide as I cut the fluffy pancake, shoving it into my mouth and groaning at the decadent taste.

He stares long and hard and I can tell he’s not unaffected by my show, which gives me some hope at least. Perhaps he’s always grumpy in the morning. I can relate to that, especially if I didn’t sleep the night before.

“So, the party.”

I remark, eagerly polishing off the breakfast he so expertly rustled up.

“I’m busy all day, but will be ready when the car leaves at six. I’ll meet you by the elevator, and we can talk in the car on the way. You had something you wanted to discuss.”

Is it hot in here?

I can hardly meet his eye, and nod as if I’ve forgotten already.

“Oh yes, well, it can wait until later.”

He nods, pushing his plate away.

“I’m sorry to dash, but I must shower and change. I have an early meeting that won’t wait.”

“Of course.”

He leaves me to finish up and for some reason the place seems a lot colder without him in it. I miss him already, which shocks me a little. I’m used to eating alone. It’s what I do but Jason is great company, well, most of the time anyway and now he’s left I’m already counting down the hours until six.

* * *

I make certain to clean up after us. I’m aware that he pays for housekeeping, but it’s only fair. Then I do the same as him and shower and change. Today is a run through of our lines and I will be busy for most of it.

When I step outside, the car pulls up so I don’t wait for the driver and merely open the door and step inside.