Page 92 of near

“You thought I was with her? Fuck. I met Esther there by pure coincidence. I told her to fuck off. If I’d known you were there…”

“It’s okay…”

His fingers scratch my head. “Is…”

My sleep-addled brain struggles to comprehend his next words as they become more and more muddled as I doze off.

Stretching my limbs, I blink to dispel the traces of sleep lingering in my eyes. The bed beside me is empty, sheets cold.

Elijah?

Chapter 25

My eyes dart around the room. Was yesterday a dream? Had it all been a fantasy conjured by my stupid mind?

Thank God. I’m not crazy. His suit jacket lays draped over the armchair in my room.

But where is he?

His shoes are gone.

I bury my face in the pillow, inhaling Elijah’s scent as warmth pools between my thighs. The warmth of his voice... the way he…

God, what is this man doing to me? I’ve never felt like this, like some lovesick teenager.

Somehow, this man has wedged himself in my heart. Again. I’m not sure how it happened or what it means, only that I want more. It’s intoxicating and terrifying all at once.

It feels deeper than anything I’ve experienced before. And though I haven’t known him long, the thought of losing him terrifies me.

I need to get this divorce through as soon as possible.

Getting up, I grab my robe and walk into the kitchen. I scan the room for Elijah. Instead, I see Lil, who’s almost out the door.

“Morning.” She waves.

“Morning.” I nod, still searching for Elijah.

“I have to go, but you have to tell me everything tonight!”

Did she see Elijah? Does she know anything?

“Have fun.” Let’s act fool.

Standing in front of the door, she waves and then closes it behind her with a click.

In the silence that follows, I let myself indulge in coffee and check my phone for any messages. Nothing. Something aches in me. He’s gone without a word.

The door opens again.

“Did you forg—” The words die on my lips as Elijah walks inside our apartment.

“Surprise.” He holds up a bag from the bakery.

“How?”

“Lil gave me a spare key in case she’s already gone when I get back.”

I must be red like a tomato. Lil saw Elijah here. Talked with him, which is… actually not bad, right?

---