Page 24 of Sharing Shadow Secrets (High Five Novella #6)
I n my office, I can’t focus on work. Blankly staring at my computer screen, all I can think about is Taylor Williams. I attempt to read a new report from our analysts, but I keep replaying the way she cried out. It was incredible.
A light knock at my door startles me more than it should.
“Have a minute?” Declan asks, and I nod. Shoulder length hair works for him, but I don’t know if I’d ever grow my hair out like that. “I haven’t seen you in, what, two months? How’s life?” he asks, taking a seat.
“Really good.” My morning was fucking perfect, I think, reminiscing being between Taylor’s legs.
Declan looks chill, relaxed. I’m assuming this is a personal catch up, not work related.
“What have you been up to besides buying a company?” he asks with a light laugh.
“Ha.” I shake my head. He is maybe the only other person who knows how intense Kent Dubois can be, buying the Dubois investment firm and rolling it into Cryptoball. “Well, I ended up at a wedding reception at your lake house.”
“You were there?” he asks, sounding surprised. “How do you know them?”
“I don’t and was going to ask how you know them.”
“I don’t. But Phoenix …” I nod, knowing she’s Dani’s therapist and on the board of a nonprofit with Declan. “The groom is her brother.”
“Oh, cool. Well, I met someone there, and we’ve been hanging out.”
Declan nods, but I see a familiar worry cross his face.
“What?” I ask, wondering why his expression shifted.
“You’re not escaping into something new?”
I flip him off. He’s always like this, cutting to the core without any preamble. But yeah … I do have a habit of swapping addictions. Taylor isn’t like that though. I mean, we’ve hung out a couple of times and not slept together. That’s progress for me.
“How’s no contact going?” he asks, raising a brow.
Kate. Thinking about her now feels like a dark cloud over my day.
“Honestly, I haven’t thought about her in a few days. Thanks for bringing her up,” I tease. “Still no contact.”
“How do you feel about that?” he asks, leaning back in the chair more.
“I think it’s for the best.”
Kate’s an addiction at this point. That’s a well-discussed topic in therapy.
Declan nods. “I ask because I care.”
“I know.” I sigh.
He bites his thumbnail for a moment, then asks, “You good with traveling to that crypto conference in Puerto Rico?”
“Yeah. We’ll need to bring at least one person who parties,” I say, thinking about how this conference is notorious for late nights and debauchery.
“You’re the point person. Put together your team. We’re the title sponsor, so bring whoever you need.”
“Five days is too long for a conference.”
“I know. That’s why I’m not going.” He chuckles.
October 27th through 31st.
Halloween. Taylor will be working. Not that I should be thinking that far ahead. We just met. I wouldn’t go to her event anyways. High Five is a no fly zone. I don’t need to be reminded of all of my bad decisions.
“Tell me about this person you’ve been hanging out with,” Declan says into the silence.
“Her name is Taylor. She does social media. Actually just quit her agency job to start her own company.”
“Wait. Does she know Dani? This sounds like the girl who got coffee with Dani the other day.”
“Yeah. I connected them.”
“Well, Dani fucking loves her. Says she has BFF potential.”
I smirk, happy to hear she likes her. “I’m trying really hard to take things slow with Taylor, but she’s … incredible.”
Declan smiles, resting his hand on his chin. “Is she sober?”
“No, but she seems to be pretty chill in that way.”
“I thought you were going for sober people now?”
I shrug. “We really hit it off. I only met her a couple of weeks ago. I’m taking it slow.”
“Cool. I’m excited for you.” He stands, extending his fist for a bump. “I gotta hop on a call.” He stands in the doorway looking thoughtful. “Bring Taylor to my next tech founder dinner. Plenty of people for her to network with, and I want to meet her.”
That’s a great idea. She’ll meet cool companies with nice people.
Brandon
Guess who just invited you to one of the most exclusive tech events in Chicago?
Taylor
Um, you??
Brandon
Declan Kruk wants to meet you. Also, why didn’t you tell me you got coffee with Dani?
Taylor
I’m literally flying by the seat of my pants every day. So much is going on. I like her!
Brandon
I hear she likes you too. So, Declan does these monthly tech dinners at his house. You’re invited on your own, but I’d love to go as your date.
Taylor
You trying to cock block me with Declan?
Brandon
He’s taken.
Taylor
I’m kidding, by the way.
Brandon
I’d hope so after this morning.
Taylor
Brandon
You’re not the only one with a praise kink. Tell me I did a good job.
Taylor
You did such a good job I’m considering seeing you before Saturday.
Brandon
Tell me when and where.
Taylor
But maybe I should rest up … Saturday seems like it might be its own kind of triathlon.
I chuckle loudly at my desk.
Brandon
Good thing I’ve been training for this.
Taylor
Well, I have not, so go easy on me.
No way.
Loudly exhaling, I need to work today. So far, I have only sent one meaningful email.
Brandon
I need to focus on work, but more of this later.
Taylor