Page 107 of Before and After

He towed me out of the great room. Discreetly, I glanced up at one of the security cameras.

Come on, Caden.

Things between us might be messed up, but I knew he’d want to stop Blake.

As we crossed the lobby, I looked for the cameras again. Behind the reception desk, I saw Coral frowning at us. I gave her a long look.

Before I knew it, we were outside.

“Where are we going?” I asked.

“For a little walk.”

The Halloween Spectacular area was mostly packed up, but there were a few trucks and workers taking things down and cleaning up. We walked past the biking area, but I didn’t see Sierra thankfully.

Then Blake led me up one of the hiking trails and into the trees.

God, how would Caden find me here? There weren’t any cameras.

We walked along the path, and I slipped my shaking hands into the pocket of my hoodie.

My chocolate bar.

I pulled it out.

Blake glanced back. “What’s that?”

“Chocolate.” I unwrapped it and popped a piece in my mouth. “Want some?”

He shook his head and looked back to the path ahead.

I tore a piece of chocolate off, including a piece of the gold and white wrapper. Then I dropped it on the ground.

Find me, Caden.

Chapter 28

Caden

It was easy not feel anything when you kept busy.

In the conference room, I had camera schematics spread across the table. I needed the system upgrades completed for when Gunnar started.

I scribbled some notes on the plan.

But my mind kept trying to go to Allie.

To her stricken face, the way she’d stared at me, her eyes pleading.

You’re running away, and that’s not for my benefit.

My hand curled into a fist.

“You look ready to punch the table.”

Ro stood in the doorway, hands in the pockets of his suit pants. I hadn’t even heard him walk in.

“I’m fine. Busy. Gunnar wants the head of security role, so I want the upgrades completed for him. It’ll make the transition easier.”