Page 138 of Salvage Him

I knew Brooklyn missedme,too.

She didn't want metogo.

I couldn't go all caveman on her and drag her from the party. She was my sub, but in some situations, I had to remember she was also my girlfriend who had a life and a job andresponsibilities.

I fucking hated it, but it wasreality.

I finished my beer, telling myself to take my time and not look at my phone. When I picked it up again, she was tenminuteslate.

I ordered another beer anddrankit.

I looked at my watch; she was thirtyminuteslate.

After thirty-five minutes, I pushed myself away from the bar and headed out the door. It took effort to stop my brain from playingworse case scenario. I jumped inmySUV.

I drove to Leanne's house, telling myself to calm down. I pulled up to the curb and surveyed the cars on the street. Brooklyn's little Lexus wasn'tamongthem.

I spotted Leanne at her front door, hugging one of her guests as they left. At least, I wasn't crashing theparty.

I tried not to run up the circulardriveway.

"Hey, Harrison," she said as she leaned up and hugged me. I hugged her back, careful not to disturb her protrudingbelly.

"Hey, Leanne." I stepped back afewfeet.

Leanne rested her hands on herstomach.

I wanted to barge in and start yelling Brooklyn's name. "How was theshower?"

"It was awesome. You should see my haul." Shegrinned.

"Is Brooklynstillhere?"

"Oh." She pouted. "No. She couldn't make it. She said she came down with something, and she didn't want to risk the baby or megettingsick."

"Really?" Iasked.

"She is a super sweetheart." Lean leaned into me. "When you guys are allowed to be official, we'll allgoout."

"Sure thing." I winked and grinned. I walked back toward my truck. I turned the SUV on and stopped for a minute. My chest ached, and I felt sick to my stomach. I drove over to Brooklyn'sapartment.

I headed toward the elevator but was stopped byJason.

"Mr. Crawford," he yelled as he came from aroundthedesk.

We never stayed at her apartment, but the doormanknewme.

"Hey, Jason. Is Brooklyn home?" I pointed to theelevator.

"I've been instructed not to let you up." Jason winced as if I mighthithim.

I scoffed, and the kid took twostepsback.

"What do you mean?" My hands balled into fists. "Bywho?"

"I'm really sorry, Mr. Crawford." He stepped between me and the elevators. The kid hadballs.

If he knew the rage building up inside me, he wouldstepaway.