Page 17 of Meet Me In The Dark

She blinks as if she just spotted me walking barefoot through the lobby. “You have non-work plans?”

“Don’t look so shocked. I do occasionally leave the building.”

“This has something to do with that envelope on your desk last week, doesn’t it?”

The corner of my mouth lifts. “You’re a nosy little thing, aren’t you?”

“I’m observant. There’s a difference.”

“Not in your case.”

“Oh, come on. Tell me.”

“No.”

“Why not?”

“Because I don’t want to.”

“Tell me,” she demands, sulking.

“No.”

“Youlovethat word. Was it a wedding invite?” she asks, eyes narrowing. “It didn’t look like a wedding invitation.”

Itwasan invitation, but it wasn’t for a wedding.

In truth, it was something far less traditional and far more intriguing.

An anonymous invitation.

No sender, no signature. A name only whispered among the elite.

Julian,

Your presence has been requested.

“You’re still staring at me,” I say without looking up.

Avery adjusts her stance. “You’re seriously not going to tell me?”

“Absolutely not.”

“You’re not going to a sex thing, are you?”

Christ, she’s annoyingly perceptive.

“Do I look like a man who needs to pay for sex?”

She doesn’t miss a beat. “You look like a man who hasn’t had it in a while. Which isveryunlike you.”

“That’s slander.”

“Technically, it’s libel. And also accurate.” She smirks. “The last time you left the office for a non-work-related event, I still had a boyfriend.”

“You’re better off. He was a dick.”

“Obviously, but don’t change the subject.”