Page 180 of King of Pain

But even as I run, my mind lingers.

His lease is up. He’s looking for a new place.

And I know one thing for sure.

That just won’t do.

The elevator dings open on Ant’s floor, and I step out with my gym bag slung over my shoulder. I was planning to walk straight to the gym, but an unshakable impulse made me stop here instead.

I was a wreck all weekend watching Ant surf apartment listings online. I wanted to tell him to stop. To just go get his stuff and move in already. But I don’t want to push.

The young woman at reception, all auburn hair and warm smile, looks up from her desk and greets me. “Welcome! How can I help you today?”

I shift the strap of my bag and smile. “Hi. I’m here to see Anthony Pacini.”

She clicks something on her screen, a little confused. “Oh. I’m sorry, I don’t have an appointment for him right now.”

I lean over the desk slightly and lower my voice, dialing up the charm just enough. “Well, Idon’thave an appointment.”

Her eyes dart up at me. I draw a little circle on the counter with my finger.

“But before I explain myself… I’m sorry, I didn’t get your name,” I say coyly.

She softens, almost laughing. “Callie.”

“Callie.” I nod, like we’re besties now. “See, Callie, I could have texted him. But I haven’t seen him in his work element yet and wanted it to be a surprise. I’m his boyfriend.”

“Oh! Aren’t you just boyfriend goals.” Then her gaze runs the length of me, and she adds with a smirk, “I just assumed you were one of our athletes because I mean…”

She gestures up and down.

I just grin.

“Well,boyfriend,” she says, all bright and cheery now, “his office is just down the hall, take a right at the end, second door on the left.”

“You’re the best, Callie.” I tap the desk lightly. “When I come back, I want a sticky note with your lunch order. It’s on me today.”

She practically beams. I grab the strap of my bag again and stroll toward the hallway she pointed out.

When I find his door, it’s closed. I knock gently.

“Come in,” I hear him say.

I push the door open and step inside.

Ant looks up from his desk and his whole face lights up.

“Baby!”

I smile. “Hey.”

He’s already pushing back from his desk and circling toward me. “What are you doing here?”

“Gee,” I say, setting my gym bag down in one of the chairs, “can’t a guy surprise his boyfriend?”

“This is the best kind of surprise.”

He pulls me into a hug and plants a lingering kiss on my lips.