Page 52 of He Sees You When You’re Sleeping

Tyler’s eyes linger on me for a moment too long before he turns to Sloane. “I need those quarterly expenses on my desk by five, Sloane. I know you’ve been busy with the latest designs, but Jasmine has asked me to hunt these down.”

Sloane nods, her face a mask of professionalism. “Of course. I’ll have them to you by four.”

My stomach churns. I glance at Sloane, who I can tell is studying every move Tyler makes. She’s always been such a good judge of character. If Tyler is a creep, she’ll pick up on it.

“I brought in some Christmas cookies,” he adds. “They’re in the break room if you guys want any.”

A creep who bakes?

I force a smile. “Thanks, Tyler. That’s... thoughtful of you.”

Tyler’s eyes flick back to me, a hint of something I can’t quite place lurking behind them. “I made your favorite. Snickerdoodles.”

How does he know my favorite cookie? I’ve never mentioned it at work. I try to recall if I’ve ever mentioned my favorite cookie to anyone aside from my deceased parents. Then I remember that I said it in passing on one of my lives as I was showing off a line of Nightmare Before Christmas inspired pendants. It wasn’t even one of my more popular posts.

But does Tyler really watch every single one of my videos? Does he take notes? How would he remember such a small detail?

“Oh,” I manage, trying to keep my voice light. “That’s... nice.”

Sloane steps in smoothly, her tone cheerful but with an edge I recognize. “We’ll definitely grab some later. Thanks, Tyler.”

He lingers for a moment, his gaze uncomfortably intense. “Great. I hope you enjoy them.” With a final nod, he turns and leaves, closing the door behind him.

As soon as his footsteps fade, Sloane whirls to face me. She leans in, her voice dropping to a whisper. “Your gut is telling you something’s off.”

I nod, grateful she understands. “I hope he catches on that I’m not interested, and this doesn’t have to get awkward. I really don’t want to make this into something bigger if I don’t have to.”

I really love my job and the last thing I want is to jeopardize it. I know that Tyler has Jasmine’s ear, and while I hope I’d be taken seriously if I came forward, I’d rather not find out.

Sloane nods thoughtfully, her brow furrowed. “I get it. You don’t want to rock the boat.”

“I’m a contractor. Not an employee,” I point out.

“I get it. But listen, if Tyler keeps this up, you need to say something formally. I can help you if you’re not comfortable going to Jasmine yet.”

“Deal.”

“Okay, subject change,” Sloane says, her tone lightening. “So last night got me thinking. Your bombshell of a secret really sunk in once I was sober.”

My stomach clenches at Sloane’s words. The events of last night come flooding back, and I suddenly remember the drunken confession I’d made. “Oh god,” I groan, covering my face with my hands. “I can’t believe I told you about that.”

Sloane’s eyes sparkle with excitement. “Are you kidding? I’m glad you did! Which also means that we have plans Friday night. We’re going to Naughty and Nice. No arguments.”

“The nightclub? Isn’t that like a sex club? I heard it was members only or something?”

Sloane waves her hand dismissively. “Oh please, I have connections. But Fridays is open to all anyway. They’re having a holiday party and it’s going to be packed. And it’s not just a sex club—it’s more of an upscale, exclusive venue for adults to explore their... interests. Perfect for people like us.”

“Like us, huh?”

Sloane grins. “Exactly. People who are curious, open-minded, and ready to explore. Come on, it’ll be fun. And who knows? Maybe you’ll find someone who can help you indulge.”

My thoughts instantly turn to WinterWatcher and how he and I indulged in our own way last night. A blush creeps up my neck, and I hope Sloane can’t see. I’m not ready to tell her about him yet.

“It’s just a party,” Sloane insists. “You don’t have to do anything you’re not comfortable with. We’ll go, have a few drinks, maybe dance a little. If you hate it, we’ll leave. No pressure.”

I bite my lip, considering Sloane’s offer. Part of me is terrified at the thought of going to such a place, but another part—a part I’ve been trying to ignore for years—is thrillingly curious.

“I... I don’t know, Sloane. It sounds intense.”

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