Page 102 of Word to the Wise

Her red sweater hangs off one shoulder, and it draws out her rosy cheeks.

Every part of me wants to spin her around and bend her over, but I bury the urge, lost in staring at her instead.

“So… the building.” I brush my hair back, shifting my thoughts before I grab her soft thighs and bury myself between them. “They took your advice?”

“They did.”

“Smart owners.”

“Right?” She smiles.

There’s the slightest hint of hesitation the longer we stare at each other.

Ever since my allergic reaction last week, I sense us both holding back. It’s slight, barely noticeable, but sincethe moment I woke up the next morning and she blinked her eyes open to meet my gaze, I felt it.

Something changed. I just don’t know what.

The whole night is foggy from the medicine. Between the constant burn in my throat and mouth and the haze from the meds and alcohol, I couldn’t remember exactly what we talked about.

All I know is that I was in and out of sleep, and every time I opened my eyes, I saw her face clearly.

I dreamed I told her I love her, and I’m starting to wonder if it wasn’t a dream at all since every bit of silence makes her cagey.

I could ask, and if she’s uncomfortable, I could try to take it back. But it would be a lie.

I’m in love with Reed Jackson.

It’s the first thing I’ve been sure of in a long time.

She’s the only one who makes my heart feel anything. I’ll protect her with every ounce of my being. And if she leaves me, then losing her will be like losing a part of myself.

The only part of myself that matters.

Picking up my pencil again, I try to get back to work, but I can’t keep my eyes off her. She’s the brightest part of my day, and when she’s not here, I’m just dim.

“So, tell me about the story.” I try to change the subject. “Is your boss on board with the new direction?”

“She loves it.” Reed beams.

Whenever Reed talks about work, she’s in her element, and it’s refreshing to see that side of her coming out. Herlove for her research and writing. It’s the one thing that always puts a smile on her face.

“The article is going to have a David vs. Goliath vibe. A big hotel coming in and trying to run out a small business that means something to the community. Hopefully it’s enough to make the Board of Supervisors pause on the permit approval so the historical designation can be granted. It won’t make them money, but people get protective over history, so it might be enough.”

Her excitement trails off, and her gaze drops to the ground at her final sentence.

“What are you worried about?”

“Carter’s going to be pissed.” She looks up at me. “He was already blowing up my email. And the moment he found out I suggested a historical designation, it got worse.”

Her words put me on pause.

I know Carter hasn’t given up. Between his threatening phone calls to Sage and the flowers he’s been sending to the apartment, he’s made it clear this isn’t over. But now that I know for sure he’s contacting Reed directly, my nerves are on edge.

“Does he email you a lot?”

I try to bury my irritation.

I try to quiet the demons in my head.