Page 59 of Meet Me In The Dark

Her mouth falls open. “Excuse me?”

“You heard me. Until that building’s up, your life ismy concern, so stop taking unnecessary risks.”

“Unnecessary—” She sputters, gaping at me like I’ve lost my mind. “You know what, Julian? Bite me.”

“I already did.” Yeah, I know that’s the wrong thing to say the second it leaves my mouth.

She storms past me, leaving me standing on the sidewalk, with steam practically rising off her as she quickens her pace.

I dig my teeth into my knuckles just to stop myself from shouting after her.

“This fucking woman,” I grit out, running a hand over my face before stalking back to my car.

I start the engine, ready to turn back toward the gym, but my eyes lock onto her figure, fading in the distance.

“Jesus Christ,” I mutter, switching off the turn signal and driving slowly after her.

Like hell I’m leaving her out here alone.

Not on my watch, stubborn woman.

It takes her a few minutes to notice the car creeping up behind her, but when she does, she yanks out her earbuds again and spins around, eyes blazing.

“Why the hell are you following me?”

I roll down the window. “You want to run? Fine. Run. But do it fast. Standing here arguing is wasting time, and you’ll make us both late.”

Her mouth opens like she’s about to tear into me again, but something flashes in her eyes before she sighs, shoves her earbuds back in, and resumes running without another word.

The sun starts to rise a while later, but I still trail her from a safe distance.

Part of me wants to floor the gas, drive off, and pretend I don’t give a damn. But the more dangerouspart can’t look away from the curve of her hips or the determined set of her shoulders.

Eventually, she slows down and stops at a coffee shop tucked neatly beside an apartment building. She goes inside and comes out a few minutes later with a steaming cup, her dark ponytail swinging behind her as she heads toward the apartment complex entrance.

“I’ll see you in—” I call out to her before I look at the time on the dash. “Five hours. I do believe you’re my eleven o’clock meeting. Word of advice, though?”

She slows, arching a brow like she’s bracing for whatever’s coming next.

“Maybe check the buttons on your blouse before you walk into my boardroom next time. Half my team nearly flatlined.”

She pauses just long enough to wiggle her fingers at me, a sugary-sweet smile spreading across her face, but it only lasts a second before her expression twists and she flips me off, vanishing inside without a backward glance.

I bark out a bitter laugh, shaking my head as I stare at the empty doorway.

Well. Good fucking morning to you, too, Celeste.

Eighteen

Instead of staying late at the office, I find myself taking a left off the highway and heading toward Wes’s house.

When I arrive, the front door is already open, but there are no tiny footsteps.

“Rosie?” I call out, stepping into the kitchen.

“She’s not here,” Wes’s voice calls from out back.

“I came for my emotional support toddler. Where is she?”