Page 155 of Wicked Proposal

“Too bad. Had my spaceship parked down the road.”

“Parked or double-parked?”

“If I didn’t know better, I’d say that sounds like you’re threatening me with a tow truck. Again.”

We’re close enough to kiss. I can tell she wants to. One sign from me, one look, and her eyes will fall shut, lashes fluttering like blue-winged butterflies.

I draw back. “I should get going. Business to be finished.”

“Yeah,” she says, quickly bouncing back from the moment. “Me, too. Got an early shift tomorrow.”

“I know.”

Her eyes narrow, but her lips curve playfully. “Are you stalking me, Mr. Lozhkin?”

Yes. All the time. Even when I’m elsewhere. Even when I shouldn’t be thinking about you at all.

“If I was, you’d never know.”

“Guess I’ll have to catch you in the act, then.”

It’s a promise. Soft, dark, alluring.

I don’t let myself be tempted.

“Goodnight, Mia.”

“Goodnight, Yulian.”

Then she’s gone.

Afterwards, I drive for hours. Just on and on, drawing circles around New York, burning gas like it’s free.

By the time I make it back to the office, Maks is waiting for me. “Back so soon from your trip?”

“Couldn’t go. CPS showed up and vetoed it.” I shrug off my jacket and hang it. “But you already knew that. Otherwise, you wouldn’t be here.”

“Eh. Little bird might’ve told me.”

“Little bird by the name of Kalinda?”

“What can I say? Girls text each other. Like, all the time.”

I circle my desk. Maksim stands, makes room for me at my seat, and I squint at him. “Did you call them? CPS?”

“Me?” He barks out a laugh. “Fuck’s sake, no. Though it might’ve been smart.”

“It would have kept me here,” I say suspiciously. “I know how you feel about Mia.”

“Okay, one: I’m no rat. Would I take candy from a baby? Yes. Would I tell their mom if they took candy from me? No way in hell.”

“Hm.” I’m not the trusting type, but it fits. “And second?”

“Second: I don’t feel any particular way about Mia. I feel about the wayyoufeel about Mia.”

“If you’re trying to give me a headache, you’re succeeding.”

“Did you even need me for that?” He peers at me. “From where I’m standing, it looks like you’re doing fine yourself. Unless those narrowed eyes are a sign of sudden onset astigmatism.”