Total pages in book: 130
Estimated words: 123579 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 618(@200wpm)___ 494(@250wpm)___ 412(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 123579 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 618(@200wpm)___ 494(@250wpm)___ 412(@300wpm)
“I think there’s good in you, a strength in you that you haven’t tapped into.”
“You really believe that?”
“Why else would I still be your friend?”
“Well, no one really knows that.”
We laugh for a moment together, and I think I can finally just be Walsh’s friend without the shadow of my parents’ misplaced hopes looming over us.
“Sof, please think about at least talking with Shaunti.”
“I’ll think about it,” I agree, but I’m still not sure I can.
For another half hour after Walsh and I talk, I still can’t focus. I’m just about to give up and go home for the day when Gil buzzes me from the reception area.
“Sofie, honey.”
“Yeah, what’s up, Gil?” I ask absently, packing up my laptop and iPad.
“Someone’s here to see you.” Gil’s voice drops. “A very big and handsome someone.”
“Did you drool on him, Gil?” I’m not sure if it’s my crazy receptionist making me feel lighter, or the fact that Trevor’s here to see me. Doesn’t matter. I haven’t been able to feel better on my own all morning.
“Maybe a little,” Gil says with a grin I hear in his voice.
“Send him in.” I smooth my hair back into the high ponytail and check the wide-legged pants and fitted heather cashmere turtleneck I put on this morning.
Trevor strides in, closing the door behind him and turning the lock. He’s on me in seconds, reversing our bodies so that he’s propped against the desk and I’m standing in the V of his powerful legs. The palm of his hand rests under my chin as he commands my mouth in a slow kiss that starts a fire in me I know won’t be extinguished in the only way I’ll find satisfying.
“Hey, you.” He drops kisses over my chin and down my neck until he reaches the edge of my sweater. A knowing grin creases his mouth, and he tugs the turtleneck aside to inspect the mark he left there last night.
“I like this,” he says, eyes piercing mine.
“So do I, that’s why I’m not sharing it.” I lean a few inches in and up until I can suck at the soft fullness of his bottom lip. “What are you doing here? I thought it was going to be a hectic day with the Collective.”
His expression shifts from indulgent to irritated, and I’m glad it’s not me on the other end of that look.
“Idiots.” He shakes his head and slides one hand down to the small of my back. “I may have to go to South Africa.”
My mouth slips into a pout. I don’t want him to leave, but I just nod.
“When?” I ask quietly, hoping I’m hiding my disappointment.
“We’ll see.” He shrugs, adding his other hand to my back and pulling me closer. “Come have lunch with me.”
I glance at my iPad and purse, already packed and ready to go.
“Your timing is impeccable. I was just leaving.”
“In the middle of the day?” He frowns and uses a finger to tilt my chin, searching my eyes. “Everything okay?”
I’ve never had much trouble lying to men before, but it’s hard with Trevor. I look over his shoulder, avoiding his eyes while I answer.
“Everything’s fine. Just trouble focusing.”
When he doesn’t answer, I flick my eyes up to find him studying me like I’m a problem it’s taking him too long to solve.
“I think this luncheon is exactly what you need.”
“Luncheon?” I pull back, peering up at him. “I thought you said lunch. Is this a thing?”
“It’s a thing you’ll enjoy.” He stands, letting me go, grabbing my clutch, and handing it to me. “But we’ll be late if we don’t get going.”
I’m just about to dig a little more before fully committing when a loud banging interrupts us.
“Why is this door locked, Sof?” Stil demands from the other side. “Are you okay? Open it right now.”
Trevor and I look at each other with wide eyes for half a second before busting out laughing. Stil is so dramatic.
Trevor walks over and opens the door, leaning one shoulder against the doorframe and blocking Stil’s entrance. Her face is comical, transforming from concerned to dreamy-eyed in a millisecond.
“Trevor, hi.” She practically blushes. “Sorry. I was worried about…”
She flicks a glance past his shoulder to find me leaning against the desk, grinning.
“That little minx there.” She glares at me. “It’s not like her to lock the door, and she’s been off all morning, so I was worried.”
My grin drops. I don’t need her talking to Trevor about how off I’ve been this morning. He’s too sharp, and he already suspects something happened with Kyle. I head toward the door, ready to get out of here.
“I’m fine, as you can see.” I slip my arm through Trevor’s. “And would you stop looking like that at my…”
Trevor’s eyes drop to me, brows up, waiting for me to finish that sentence, which I can’t do. I can’t very well call him my boyfriend after two dates. I may never call him that.