Page 116 of Manhattan State of Mind

Switching gears, she asks, “So Lucy, what else has been happening this week? The last time we spoke, you were prepping for a trip to Bear Mountain. Judging from that breathtaking view behind you, it looks like you’re there.”

“Yep. It really is spectacular here. So calm and peaceful. I’m just up to my neck in work.” I feel my cheeks redden.

“Is there anything specific you’d like to share?”

I fucked the boss.

“No! Nothing.”

“It helps to let it all out. And remember, what happens in therapy, stays in therapy.”

God, it really is written all over my face. Do I have some jizz on it or something?

“Actually, I did something a bit reckless.” I pause. “I had a moment with the boss.” I clear my throat pointedly to indicate precisely what kind of moment we’re talking about.

She nods slowly, contemplating this new information. She doesn’t seem shocked. Should that offend me?

“How do you feel about him?”

I swallow hard. “I’m terrified. Terrified of getting hurt by someone like him.”

“Have you shared your concerns with him? Have you discussed where you both stand?”

I shake my head vehemently. “No, absolutely not. It was just a one-time thing.”

“Has anything similar happened before?”

“What? No! Absolutely not.”

Except… I wouldn’t remember if it had, would I?

I stare at Dr. Ramirez, a shiver of panic slithering down my spine. What if this wasn’t the first time? What if something happened with JP before that I don’t remember?

I hastily swat away the disturbing thought. That’s ridiculous. Why wouldn’t he tell me? No, this is a convenience thing for him, I’m right-place, right-time woman. The way JP acted in the elevator when I returned to work told me everything I needed to know.

And he has no reason to lie to me.

Right?

JP

Things are finally falling into place.

We’ve got solid results from the hackathon, a robust blueprint to transform the remaining casino amenities cashless.

I go through the data from the market research reports for the first wellness retreat. We’re keeping it quiet until I can prove I can make it a success. The data confirms there’s a market out there, I just have to execute it properly. I’m reviewing details with Killian and Connor later—another step toward my Vegas exit plan.

And then there’s Lucy. She leaves Bear Mountain today, but she’s let me back into her life. For the first time since her accident—hell, since our bitter breakup—I can taste the sweetness of happiness again.

I know I’m playing with fire by keeping our past from her. The deception eats at me, but I shove it aside. I tell myself this is for Lucy’s benefit while she recovers. But if I’m honest, it’s just as much for me. I miss her so damn much. I’ll do anything to keep her close, even if it means lying to her.

I’m well aware I’m treading on dangerous ground. I’ve deliberately turned a blind eye to the colossal elephant in the room—our shared past that she doesn’t remember. But eventually, the day will come when she uncovers our buried history and I’ll have some serious explaining to do.

It’s a risky gamble, getting involved again without coming clean. Lucy trusts me enough to open up and be vulnerable, and I’m deceiving her.

But I can’t think about that now.

THIRTY-ONE