Page 215 of Time Stops With You

I smile.

Money has never been a driver for me. The digital zeroes had nowhere to go, no higher purpose outside of my survival, some investments, and a few carefully selected charities.

But now, what was once meaningless allows Nardi to dress how she wants, walk into any store she wants, and have whatever she desires.

Heat roars in my veins.

I didn’t realize Nardi spending my money was a turn-on, but it’s never too late to learn something new.

Adjusting my pants, I take a deep breath, settle my raging hormones, and then send back a text.

ME: Is that all you got? Next time, add another zero to the bill.

Twenty-Two

NARDI

Spending this much money feels icky. I don’t think I was meant to be rich.

I park outside my apartment and reach into the backseat for the fancy shopping bags that weigh less than an eight-pound bag of rice. You’d think something with this price tag would have a bit more weight.

I wince as I haul the bags out of the car with me.

Cullen is far too perceptive. I can’t believe he sniffed out my plan so quickly.

His last text was cheeky too.

Add another zero.

That jerk.

I’d planned to return the bags, but now my pride is bruised. I’ll have to keep them and live with the fact that I spent eight months’ rent on purses.

As I near Cullen Tech, I slow down in front of the ‘WE ARE MOVING’ sticker. Despite the warning, the Cullen Techsign is still glowing. The light pierces the darkness, strong and determined.

I smile and start to walk past when I hear a pathetic groan coming from the shadows. Stepping closer, I notice a large heap on the front step of Cullen’s company. The heap moves and unfurls, revealing a pale face with blonde hair frizzing all over.

“Who’s there?” A familiar pair of blue eyes shoot up. “I’ve got mace…”

Stunned, I bend down to inspect the woman. “Jenna?”

She squints and her head lolls back and forth as she tries to place me.

“Ah-ha!” Jenna snickers. “It’s Ronan’s woman. Ronan’s pretty, pretty Nardi. Nardi Hardi Har Har.”

She’s babbling nonsense.

I debate leaving her here, but my conscience won’t let me. She’s totally out of it and, though this neighborhood isn’t the worst, it isn’t the best either. Especially for extremely drunk women.

I crouch and the shopping bags make a crumpling sound as they sink into the ground. Panicked, I jerk my arm up. In the light of the sign, I notice some dirt on the bottom of the shopping bags and urgently brush it away. I plan to keep these shopping bags forever, just like the purses they carry.

Bang, bang, bang!

The sound makes me jump and I look down to find Jenna smacking the front door.

“Ronan!” she sobs. “Ronan, I’m here! Open the door.”

I roll my eyes. “Cullen isn’t here, Jenna. Get up. I’ll order a ride for you.”

---