Page 144 of Not That Into You

I stand up. “No, no. Come in. Please.”

Mac looks back and forth between us before stifling a smile. “We’re done here anyway. I’ll just head back to my desk.”

My eyes stay glued to Monica as Mac leaves my office. “Thanks, Mac.”

I walk around my desk as Monica advances farther into the room. We both pause in the middle, regarding each other.

She looks beautiful. Her hair is pulled back in its usual ponytail, and she’s wearing gray skinny jeans and a black graphic T-shirt.

“You’re not wearing glasses.”

“Oh, yeah.” She brushes a strand of hair off her face. “I got new contacts, and they’re more comfortable than my old ones.”

Every atom in my body strains to get closer to her, but I hesitate, unsure of my reception.

I clear my throat. “When did you get back?”

“Just a few hours ago.”

“Really?” A smile spreads across my face as hope warms my chest at the thought of her coming to see me so soon after returning.

Mac reappears in the doorway. “Sorry, Cameron?”

“Yeah?”

“Don’t forget you have a meeting in five minutes.”

“Right.”

“With HR.”

I sigh. “I know. I’ll be there.” I smile ruefully at Monica as Mac ducks out of the room. “Sorry.”

“It’s okay. I know you’re busy. It’s the middle of the workday. I should’ve called first. But I wasn’t even sure I was going to come, and then...” Wincing, she shakes her head. “Sorry. I’m babbling.”

“It’s okay.” God, I want to touch her. “What did you want to see me about?”

I hold my breath, sending a fervent prayer up to whatever deity grants second chances.

“Nothing. I mean...” She takes a deep breath. “I just wanted to see you.”

I release my breath as my shoulders relax for the first time in weeks. “Yeah?”

The corner of her mouth lifts. “Yeah.”

“Good.” My smile stretches into a grin. “That’s good.”

I’m vaguely aware I probably look like a lovestruck schoolboy, but I don’t care. I’m too busy absorbing Monica’s soft smile and the fact that she’s here, in my office. She actually came to see me. I’m not sure what that means or what she wants, but at least she’s here.

I take a deep breath to steady my galloping heart. “How’s your mom?”

“Stubborn.” She rolls her eyes. “But she’s fine. She’s stiff and still has a lot of PT to do, but she’s doing better.”

“Good. That’s good.” I swallow. “I thought you were going to stay longer.”

She smirks. “Me too. But it became clear the best way to support my mom was from a distance.”

I snort. “I can relate.”

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