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Her face pinches in confusion. “Yes.”
“Happily?”
“Very.”
Nodding, I take another bite of my salad, chew and then swallow. “That’s what I thought.” I grab the to-go cup and take a long sip through the straw. “Have I insulted your hair, makeup, clothing? Have I threatened your job? Did I eat your last banana pudding?”
“No,” she says, dragging out the word.
“Then please explain why you’re so butthurt over who I’m dating?” I quirk a brow.
Her mouth falls open but no words are coming out.
I nod again. “That’s what I thought.” I gesture to the door with my fork. “Please close the door on your way out.”
Jane doesas I ask and surprisingly, she doesn’t slam my door.
Pushing my salad to the side, I stand and slide the box toward me, remove the bow, and lift the lid. A blue rose rests on top of red tissue paper. I remove the rose and push aside the tissue paper to find a red silk scarf, matching red silk panties, and a note.
Meet me at Veil at 6 p.m. I have a surprise for you. ~ X
Lookslike Cannon wants to play. I consider calling him and pretend to cancel our date night because I have plans with X, but I don’t want to interrupt his meeting.
* * *
It’s wellafter 5 p.m. by the time I finish work, so I decide to head straight to Veil from the office.
I call for the elevator and a moment later, the doors slide open revealing Heather inside.
“You’re working late,” she says, eyeing the box tucked under my arm.
“I had a few things to wrap up, so I figured I’d stay late and get them done then head to Veil from here.” I tap the box. “I’m meeting X tonight for a play date.”
Heather grins. “I like this version of you, Makayla.”
I mirror her grin. “I’m happy.”
“I know.” She gestures to my face. “You’re fucking glowing.”
“Because I have the bestest friend in the whole world and a man who loves me.”
“That you do.” The elevator opens and we cross the lobby to the parking garage. “Have fun tonight,” Heather says with a little wave as she heads to her car.
“I always have fun playing with your brother,” I call out, laughing when she flips me off.
THIRTY-FOUR
CANNON
My meeting ran way later than expected. I’d wanted to take Makayla to dinner, but it’s already close to six, and I’m still with Gio and Enzo on the other side of town. I try calling her but keep getting her voicemail. A nagging sense of foreboding washes over me, so I call my sister.
“Hey,” she answers on the second ring.
“Where’s Makayla?” I snap, causing both Cantore brothers to look up from their phones with interest.
“Well, hello to you too.”
“Hello, little sister,” I say with fake pleasantries. “Do you know where Makayla is?”
