Page 66 of Can't Stop Watching

Tessa already thinks Dane is "dangerous" in the sexy way. If she knew he'd casually offered to cross state lines to rough up Marcus Colton... Jesus. She'd either be completely freaked out or think it's a joke and start rolling with it. Neither reaction would help me figure out what to make of it myself.

"Earth to Lila?" She waves her hand in front of my face.

"Sorry. Just thinking about my Veritas interview. I still haven't heard back." The half lie slips out smoothly.

"Focus, woman. We're discussing your hot sex life, not work." She drains her latte. "So, what's the plan? Just casual fun, or...?"

I fiddle with my ear cuff. "I don't know. It feels different with him."

"Different how?"

"Like..." I search for words that won't sound completely pathetic. "Like he sees parts of me I usually keep hidden. The messy, angry parts."

Tessa's eyebrows shoot up. "You have angry parts?"

"Shut up." I kick her under the table. "You know what I mean."

"I do." She turns serious. "Like I said be careful. Mixing trauma and romance… that shit gets complicated fast."

I nod, grateful she's dropped the subject without pressing further. If she knew about Dane's offer and how deeply it resonated with me—how for one dark moment, I'd imagined him confronting Mr. Colton, making him feel the fear I'd felt—she might think badly of me. Some things are better kept to myself. Even from my best friend.

My phone buzzes on the table, startling me out of my thoughts. Unknown number.

"You should get that," Tessa says, gesturing with her chin. "Could be Dane with phone sex."

I roll my eyes but grab the phone. "Hello?"

"Is this Lila Marks?" A crisp, professional female voice I don't recognize says. Definitely not Dane.

"Yes, speaking." I straighten up instinctively, like the woman can see me through the phone.

"This is Vanessa Holt from Veritas News. I'm calling to inform you that your application has advanced to the next round of our selection process."

My heart stops, then hammers double-time. Vanessa Holt. Holy shit. I should have recognized her voice, but I guess I only spoke to her once.

"That's—thank you," I manage, while frantically waving at Tessa, who's looking at me with raised eyebrows. "I'm definitely interested in continuing."

"Excellent. We'd like you to come in Friday at 10:30 AM to meet with our senior editorial team. You'll be asked to pitch story ideas and discuss your investigative approach."

I grab a napkin and frantically mime for a pen. Tessa slides hers across the table.

"Wednesday at 4, got it." I scribble the details. "Is there anything specific I should prepare?"

"Three potential investigative pieces—local focus preferred. And Ms. Marks?"

"Yes?"

"Mr. Langford was particularly impressed with your interview." Something in her tone makes my skin prickle. "He'll be joining us for the next round."

Great. Mr. Creepy Eyes himself.

"Looking forward to it," I lie smoothly.

"We'll email confirmation details shortly. Have a good day."

The call ends and I stare at Tessa, momentarily speechless.

"Well?" she demands. "Was that?—"