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I’m so damn scared, and the thought of making that journey in reverse tomorrow morning is terrifying. It makes me wish I’d accepted Hunter’s offer… but as I crawl like an infant over to my bed and climb up onto it, curling into a ball, I realize there wouldn’t have been any point. He was only being kind, and while kindness is lovely, I want so much more.
It’s Thursday already, and while I’m not sure where the last few days have gone, I’m no less scared, no less tired, and no less emotional. I’ve done my best to hide it all from Hunter, but I don’t think I’m doing a very good job. He keeps asking if I’m okay. I always say I am, but he doesn’t seem convinced.
I don’t think I’ve screwed up at all at work, despite my exhaustion. Hunter certainly hasn’t mentioned anything being wrong. I’ve continued to knock on his doorframe, but he hasn’t picked me up on it – not since that first time –and I’m wondering if I’ve started to see it as a necessary barrier between us; one that I have to knock on to gain entry into his personal space because I have no right to be there.
Or maybe I’m just overtired and reading too much into every nuanced action.
I’m aware of Keira’s perfume before she says a word and I look up to see her smiling down at me.
“Sorry to come in without an appointment,” she says, parting her lips into a perfect smile. “But I’ve found your stalker.”
I stand, wishing I could hug her. Except she’s far too immaculate for hugging.
“You have?”
She nods her head and then tilts it toward Hunter’s office. “Is he free?”
“Yes.” I might feel elated by her news, but my heart is still heavy at the thought that she’d rather see Hunter than me. Not surprisingly.
I get up and wander to Hunter’s door, knocking on the frame, and he looks up as I enter.
“Keira’s here.”
His face lights up and he stands. “Oh, yes? Show her in.”
I step back, but don’t announce her, or even guide her in. She knows the way well enough, and as she passes me, I realize – yet again – why I don’t stand a chance. We might both be wearing business suits, but they couldn’t be more different. Mine is navy blue, with a fitted jacket and a skirt that ends just above my knees, and beneath it, I’m wearing a white blouse, open at the neck. Keira’s suit is cream-colored. The jacket is tailored, and while I’m sure she’s wearing underwear, that’s the only thing between her and the suit itself, the skirt being short enough to show off her tanned thighs. She looks incredible, and I can’t blame Hunter for his taste in women. It’s just that I’m not made that way.
“I was just telling Livia,” Keira says before she’s even sat down, “I’ve found her stalker.”
Hunter looks over at me. I’m still standing by the door, but he ushers me into the room and I go over to his desk, sitting in the other chair. Hunter resumes his seat, turning his attention back to Keira.
“Was it the guy Livia thought it was?” he asks.
“No.” She turns to me. “It was your old boss… Lucian Wicks.”
I shake my head, disbelief welling inside me. “But that can’t be right. Lucian is a family man. His wife is a former model. Shelby Wicks is beautiful. Why would Lucian be interested in me?”
Keira tilts her head, smiling. “Have you looked in a mirror lately?”
I can feel myself blush and I glance at Hunter, who’s staring straight at me. “But Lucian’s married,” I whisper.
“Married or not, he’s admitted to being besotted with you,” Keira says, and I look back at her. “Those were his words, not mine, by the way. I don’t think I’ve ever used the word ‘besotted’ in my life.”
“Are you sure about that?” Hunter says, clearly struggling not to smile, and she turns to him and frowns.
I don’t want them to get into reminiscing about old times, so I ask, “How did you find out about Lucian?”
She looks back at me. “I accessed your old phone records and discovered that he’d sent the first images from his personal phone.”
“Really?” Hunter’s as shocked as I am, and it shows in his voice.
“I’m surprised you didn’t recognize his number,” Keira says, still staring at me and ignoring Hunter.
“I didn’t have his number.”
“Seriously?”
“Yes. I never needed it. We worked right next door to each other. Why would I need his number?”
