Page 235 of Time Stops With You

Asad nearly drops his drink.

Dr. Young fumbles with his collar.

But Sunny walks right up to the billionaire and gives him a big hug. “Dare, why didn’t you bring Yaya?”

“I wanted to, but she’s at a photoshoot and couldn’t rearrange her schedule in time. Where’s Cullen?”

“Talking to Darrel in there.” Sunny points to the computer room.

Richard Sullivan moves as if he’ll go over, but Sunny stops him. “Just a second, Dare. Let me introduce you to Cullen’s girlfriend.”

I’m hunkering around the counter but, when I see Sunny gesturing to me, I quickly wipe my hands on my pants and approach them.

Richard Sullivan’s eyes light up as he shakes my hand. “So you’re the woman who turned Cullen from a robot into a human.”

“I…” I have no idea what to say to that. “It’s an honor to meet you, Mr. Sullivan.”

“Please. Call me Dare.” He smiles and the crow’s feet around his eyes deepen. It only makes his already chiseled face more appealing.

“Cullen thinks very highly of you,” I say shyly.

“That I don’t believe. I may be the investor, but Cullen does what he wants. I’m just along for the ride.”

“I want that in writing,” Cullen says.

We all turn and find Cullen and Darrel leaving the computer room. Though there’s a welcoming smile on Cullen’s lips, he’s shuffling as if every step is painful.

Sullivan laughs, goes up to Cullen and pats his back. “Hey, I didn’t know it was your birthday.”

Cullen says nothing.

Sullivan’s smile turns awkward. “Well, my gift is in the mail. Usually, my wife helps me pick out these things so don’t blame me if you don’t?—”

“Can I speak with you?” Cullen says abruptly.

Sullivan isn’t smiling now.

Cullen carefully avoids my eyes as he and Sullivan hide themselves away next.

Frustrated, I turn back to the bartender.

Sunny takes my drink when I reach for it. “Nardi, maybe you should slow down.”

“It’s a party. We should be drinking,” I murmur, snatching the glass from her.

Darrel appears behind his wife. Slipping an arm around her waist, he whispers to her, “Let me.”

Sunny nods and steps away to chat with Sara, Asad and Dr. Young.

I turn to look at the therapist. Darrel stands like a rigid soldier, no obvious emotions on his face.

“Are you going to tell me what you and Cullen discussed?”

“You know I can’t do that,” Darrel says patiently.

“Then I don’t want to talk to you.” I sip my drink. I’m not usually this rude but the alcohol amplifies my annoyance. Cullenis shutting me out for some reason. I don’t have it in me to be pleasant.

“That’s fair. You went to a lot of trouble to throw this party and Cullen is too busy to appreciate it. Anyone would be upset,” Darrel says in a steady voice.

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