Page 28 of Destined To Fall

“Is it?”

“Jeremy…”

“Coffee, and I’ll tell you.”

I wrinkle my nose, frustrated, and against my better judgment, intrigued.“Fine. Sunday, ten a.m., at the Equal Exchange Caféon Causeway, North End.”

He nods briefly before giving me a pointed look. Thekeys dangling precariously off one finger.

“I’m a woman of my word,” I drawl.

“Good.”

Jeremy takes my hand, putting the keys securely in it, and wraps his other around my waist, tugging me out of the way of the driver’s door. He opens it as I watch, confused by the gesture. His face is so close to my own I could stick my tongue out and lick him. The thought makes me grin.

Jeremy chooses that moment to look at me, his gaze dropping to my lips, and his hand tightens on my hip. Before I can blink, he shifts me with ease, our bodies brushing as I’m wedged between him and the open door, a silent gasp escaping me at the unexpected movement and contact.

My heart races, practically beats against his chest, we’re so close. Our noses brush as he whispers against my lips,“It’s a date.”

Just as quickly, he releases his hold on me and walks off, leaving me taken aback and in a stunned stupor.

My fingers trace an invisible line across my mouth, still feeling the whispered warmth and electricity he left behind. I shake my head, stuff my earbuds in, and turn up the volume. I run, and I’ll keep on running until the sun replaces the heat on my face and the wind deadens the ache on my lips.

The piercing ring of my cell startles me, and I stumble to a stop, yanking out one of the ear buds to dull the sound. I brace myself on my knees, my breath coming in quick, sharp bursts as I struggle to catch it. I take a few deep, slow inhales and answer before my cell goes to voicemail, still sounding out of breath.

“Yeah?”

“Mooorning,” Laura singsongs from the other end.

I just grunt in return.

“You’re chipper this morning. I like it.”

“Really? You know you’re interrupting my run. You’re a bad PA and an even worse best friend.”

“Whatever. Wait, you’re still running? Did you sleep in?”

“What do you mean?” I pull my cell out and check the time. Ah, fucksticks.

“It’s twenty-five to nine.”

I’ve totally lost track of the time, and I’m going to be late.“Make it quick, Law,” I huff.“I need to jog home before my muscles cool down.”

“Hmm. You might want to jog while I fill you in. Your schedule’s changed.”

“Why? Who canceled?”

“No one, and therein lies the problem. Antony needs you in New York for the weekend, and seeing as you’re already going to be there...”

I groan.“Not going to happen. I’m not rearranging my clients for him. What happened to…what’s-her-face? Erica? Jennifer? Or was it Monica?”

“Who cares?”

I laugh and begin jogging at a steady pace.“You’re not calling for my approval, are you?”

“Nope.”

I sigh.“Okay. Tell me.”

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