Page 5 of Kill Your Darlings

He said nothing.Made no move.

“Are you on your way to dinner?”I asked.

“Maybe.”Kyle made a little face.“It didn’t occur to me that everybody would already have plans.”

Hell.New Kid on the Block syndrome.

“I was just heading out to grab a bite,” I lied.“Why don’t you come with me?”

His hazel eyes lit, but he was a polite kid—well, not a kid, but younger than me, for sure—and he hesitated.“I don’t want to impose…”

The door started to close.I reached out to block the sensors.“You’re not imposing.I’d like some company.”

He said, “Well, if you’re sure—”

“I’m sure.I’ll meet you downstairs in—?”I looked at him in inquiry.

“Half an hour?”he said tentatively.

“I’ll see you in half an hour,” I said, and let the doors close.

Chapter Two

I was swearing softly under my breath as I let myself into the Grand Bay Suite.

But really, how was it helpful to sit around feeling sorry for myself all night?This was a much better use of my time and energy.

I tossed the binder to the desk in the little alcove off the living room.

At seventeen hundred square feet, the suite was ridiculously large for one person.I’d booked it with Finn in mind of course, but also, I planned on hosting cocktails for my authors on Sunday evening to address their questions and concerns with the merger.

Dragging the conference neck lanyard over my head, I left it draped with my blazer on the back of the sofa that formed part of the seating arrangement around the marble fireplace.I walked into the private bedroom, which had another, smaller, fireplace, a king-sized bed with wood parquet headboard, a few pieces of tasteful coastal art—starfish sculptures and watercolors of old Monterey—and a fresh flower arrangement.

As I undressed, I stared blankly out the large windows at the blue dazzle of the bay.

The sunlight was fading.Soon the fog would roll in.Normal for May on the coast, but a little gloomy.The California sunshine was one of the things I’d been most looking forward to on this trip.

One of the things.

I did not let myself think about how much I’d imagined Finn would enjoy this room, this view, this giant bed…

Not useful.Not productive.

I strode into the oversized bathroom with its double sink vanity, soaking tub, separate shower, and yes, more breathtaking views of blue water and silver edged clouds.I popped my contacts out, splashed cold water on my face, and considered my dripping reflection bleakly.I decided I didn’t give a fuck about the five o’clock shadow.I dried my face, took a swig of Listerine, swished it violently around my mouth, spat, and returned to the bedroom to dress in jeans and a Knicks sweatshirt.As far as I was concerned, I was off-duty tonight.

And after tonight, I’d be too busy to think about anything but work, so…just get through tonight.

I transferred my wallet from my trousers, slid my glasses on, and threw myself a cursory look in the mirror hanging on the far side of the bed.A tall, lanky dark-haired man with colorless eyes and a blank white face stared back at me.

“You’re fine,” I told him.

I didn’t wait for his answer.I grabbed my phone and went downstairs to meet Kyle.

Kyle stood in the lobby talking to Finn and a small, slight, blond person.

My heart sank.Really?Was I going to spend this conference running into Finn every thirty minutes?

The three of them were talking and laughing, oblivious to my approach.Finn and the blond waif appeared to be on their way out—the blond wore a heavy turtleneck Aran sweater and Finn wore his favorite brown suede racer jacket.