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I t took quite a while for my pulse rate to settle, and longer still for my focus to return. Adrian Benedict was so incredibly confusing. He ran cold, then hot, then cold again. I was never exactly sure where I fit in his life outside of the office, primarily because his actions and reactions were unpredictable.

The sexual attraction was off the charts. I knew he wanted me. But…did he want me? Outside of what I could do for him in the boardroom and in the bedroom…did he want me?

Sometimes, I would say he did, but then I’d watch the emotions cross his face and be confused even more. Now and then, he’d glance in my direction and I would swear that he hated me. I couldn’t understand it.

He had told me numerous times that my work was impeccable, and he was pleased. I was working so hard to stay a step ahead of him and I felt that I had been successful. As far as business was concerned, we had fallen into a pattern, so it was easy to prepare and have everything at his fingertips before he even asked. I was also studying Japanese online and was getting ready to take my first exam. He had no idea. I wanted to surprise him by speaking to him one day soon. Maybe I’d start sneaking in a word or two.

The extra study time meant I had fewer hours to devote to reading Blair’s diaries. It had been a few weeks since I’d found out that she had been in love with the same man I now worked for. Maybe that was for the best. I was so busy right now that I had no opportunity to think about my sister being head over heels for him.

I was thankful for the distraction of learning a new language. As the weeks and months passed, we were approaching the anniversary of Blair’s death, and I wasn’t sure how I was going to be able to handle it. I was seriously considering going to see my dad again. Maybe I could invite him to come visit me. There was no way I would be anywhere near my mother because she would turn the whole thing in her own direction. I wouldn’t be able to keep my mouth closed when she started in with how hard it was on her, and how difficult it had been to get through each day not knowing what really happened. That was how she operated…forever seeking the center of attention.

My fingers paused in the middle of typing a passage. Adrian knew nothing about my sister. I’d never mentioned Blair, much less revealed that she had been murdered. I suppose it might be wise to do so, especially if I was going to be gone, or acted not quite myself.

Finishing the last word on the last paragraph of the report he would need for tomorrow’s meeting, I quickly read it backward to catch any potential errors, then hit send on it when I found none. I was more tired than I realized, yawning as a wave of fatigue hit me. I was basically keeping what others referred to as “Benedict hours” which meant I was in the office almost as long as my boss. The man never seemed to leave BT and maybe he didn’t. He had a mini fridge, a private full bathroom with a large shower, and the sofa in his office was very comfortable. I knew that from personal experience. It might not be such a stretch for him to just stay here during the week.

As for myself, I was more than ready to go home, cuddle up with Lug Nut and some leftover Pho, and turn in early for once. Well, maybe not early, I thought looking down at my watch, but earlier than I usually did.

Adrian’s door was partially open, and I could hear him speaking with some of the members of the R I watched Adrian’s eyes drop to the ‘B’ on the chain. His gaze followed the pendant back and forth while I moved it. He said nothing, but his focus on the piece of jewelry was unmistakable.

“It wouldn’t be much time, but I think I will just need to focus elsewhere. I haven’t completely made up my mind, though. It depends on how I feel as the dates get closer. I’ll make sure I am caught up here and that you have everything you need before I am out. I would never leave you unprepared.”

I was rambling, but Adrian seemed more interested than annoyed. With a nod of his head, he gave me silent approval and a sense of relief filled me. Whether it was from him not caring about me taking time off, or him not asking for the reasons behind needing the time off, I wasn’t sure.

“Anyway, I’ll stop because I know your next call is just about to start. I’m mainly telling you because I may go back and see my dad. I went to be with him a couple of months ago, and it was a good visit. I may ask him to come here. I haven’t decided yet. For tonight, though, I’m going to curl up with Lug Nut and look for the wisdom of the universe in my soup.”

He opened his mouth to reply, but his phone rang, signaling his meeting was beginning. I waited for him to answer and become slightly distracted before saying anything else.

“Oyasumi nasai(Good night), Sir. Mata ashita (See you tomorrow).”

It was all I could do not to smile at the look of incredulity that crossed his features, but I maintained my composure, turning on my heel, and leaving his office, pulling the door closed once more.

My eyelids felt like lead as I made my way home. Lug Nut greeted me with his usual enthusiasm when I came through the door, and I sent my neighbor another thanks for looking after my boy. Hugging the dog’s neck, I realized that I wasn’t spending enough time with the dog, and it wasn’t fair. I loved him and he loved me, and I needed to show him how much he meant to me. Making a mental note to speak with my boss about keeping more to regular hours, I changed my clothes before making my way into the kitchen.

The dog had an automatic feeder and access to water all the time, so he had already had his dinner. I fed him a piece of cheese while waiting for my Pho to heat. The entire time, I scratched the dog’s head and spoke sweet nothings to him, my heart turning over at the look of pure adoration he gave me. God, I loved this goober.

“I sure wish all men were as easy to read as you buddy,” I said.

Once the soup was as hot as I liked it, I sat at the table and groaned in bliss as the flavors hit my tongue. It was a regular order from my favorite place, Pho Nation. I had it at least once a week. The owners were so sweet and since I ate their food so often, I usually got a complimentary treat or sample in the bag, or on my plate when I dined in person. They also knew about Lug Nut, so it wasn’t unusual to find a dog safe cookie in my order.

My phone vibrated on the table and a quick glance indicated it was a breaking news alert from the local NBC television station. Another buzz and I got a message from Adrian.

Yoku nemuru (Sleep well), Brynn. Mata ashita (See you tomorrow).

I smiled at that, inordinately pleased with myself that I had left enough of an impression to prompt Adrian reaching out.

“One day, Mr. Benedict,” I mused. “One day I will figure you out. I hope.”