Page 34 of Shielding Aubree

Henley hesitated for a moment. "You'll always be welcome back should you need us."

Aubree looked at the other woman and smiled. "No offense, but I hope that won't ever be a thing."

Henley smiled back at her. "I know. But you'll always be welcome back as a guest and to attend parties. Especially if you're... visiting one of our staff."

Her cheeks burned as she looked away from Henley for a moment.

"No need to blush or look guilty, Aubree. Anyone with eyes can tell that you and Ruben have hit it off with each other."

Aubree nodded. "Nothing happened between us. I promise you that." She hesitated, not wanting to admit that she'd almost kissed Ruben in the pool.

"I know, Aubree." Henley's gaze told her that she wasn't upset. The lightness of her smile said that she might even be happy. "It'll be good to see you back for happier reasons."

"Thanks."

Aubree walked to the door of the office and hoped that her body language wasn't going to change dramatically when she opened the door and felt the air from the outside office. The coolrush of air sent shivers through her. It wasn't cold she felt but relief.

She considered it a win because she hadn't taken a Valium that morning. She was only going to take one with her in the car when her family came to get her. And if things went well, she hoped to still have it in her pocket when she got home to her apartment.

That would be the equivalent of a game winning touchdown.

And she needed a win.

A win she could carry over to her cases that really needed one.

She headed out of the building and didn't stop until she felt the sunlight on her face.

Sunlight.

She still hadn’t told Reuben the extent of her nightmares involving

While she was sure he wanted to hear about it, she wasn't sure she wanted to tell him.

He hadn’t really batted an eye

If she had a hope of building anything with Ruben, she had to at least seem sane.

Her phone chimed with a text, and she fished it out of her pocket.

MI PADRE: looking forward to seeing you

She replied, smiling

Princessa: same! did you convince Pablito to come with?

MI PADRE: (laughing tears emoji) yes

Princessa: I bet he hasn't let go of his phone since he got in the car

MI PADRE: you have a camera in the car?

Princessa: I know my little bro. Drive safe.

There was a moment where the three dots appeared on the screen. When the message flashed on the screen she chuckled.

MI PADRE: your mother is driving I'm the navigator today

Princessa: Love you all. Be safe.

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