Page 69 of Perfect Assumption

My soul has been hurt, but not by this man. Not now. And now is where I’m living. It’s time to give now a chance to make me feel. I’ve given the past too much of my time.

We stop in the elevator hallway, and I’m surprised when Ward pushes the Up button. “If you’re feeding me, I do believe the food is in the other direction.”

“Not today it isn’t.”

“Now I’m intrigued.”

“That was my intention.”

“Well played, Mr. Burke.”

“Thank you, Ms. Fahey. And if you’ll step inside.” He holds out his arm for me to precede him onto the elevator. But he doesn’t press any buttons.

I open my mouth to ask, but he shakes his head imperceptibly. Instead, he reaches down and lifts the phone out. “Burton? Yes. We’re in car three. Thank you.”

The elevator jerks a moment. Then, as I stumble up against Ward, it goes soaring to the highest floors of the building. It seems to remain stuck on 24 for quite a while when it slows. Ward smiles down at me. “It’s going to be a bit windy.”

“What is?” But I don’t have long to wait. The elevator opens up to the rooftop.

Ward steps out of the confines of the metal box and tugs me out behind him, pointing through the whipping wind to a small structure set off to the side made of glass. He pulls me behind him as we make our way there.

Once inside, I find myself standing inside an atrium. “What is this place?”

“The owners of the building had it built for summer parties. It’s completely climate-controlled.” Ward shucks off his overcoat.

I quickly do the same. “You did this for me?”

“Yes.”

“How? Why?”

“I called them up to ask if I could use it for lunch, Angie. It wasn’t a big deal.”

I cock a brow. “Yes, it was.”

A crooked grin crosses his face. “Okay. Yes, it was. I wanted to impress you. Did it work? Wait. Don’t answer just yet.” He fishes his phone from his pocket. After pressing a few buttons, a familiar Hooters song plays over the speakers. “Now, you can answer.”

But I can’t because I’m pretty certain I just stepped onto a path I never expected to travel, one that leads toward the most dangerous feelings in the world. This path could evoke pain even more fatal to the heart than what I’ve already suffered.

It’s a journey of love.

“I’ll be impressed when you tell me what you got us to eat.” But I can’t prevent my hips from swaying back and forth, losing myself to the perfect emotions I felt that first night out with Ward.

“Later.” He takes my hand and swings me out.

I’m not sure if it’s my being swept away by the moment, but on top of the world in the light of day, I don’t feel petrified as a woman. For the first time, I feel powerful.

Twenty-Six

Angela

So many celebrities were spotted in the tiny town of Collyer, Connecticut, at their annual fall festival, we had a hard time keeping up with all of them. Evangeline Brogan, the belle of Broadway, was spotted with her family. Her sister, Bristol Brogan-Houde—known by investment bankers everywhere as “Queen of Wall Street”—was close behind with actor husband, Simon Houde.

And who could leave out Marco. Certainly not me.

@PRyanPOfficial

“Angie, I know we sent a formal letter to Kensington. Have you received any updates? Email, phone calls? Carrier pigeons?” Carys taps a file against the side of her leg.