Page 31 of Escape

Please say yes. Please, for the love of everything, say yes. If she’s home, I’m already halfway out the door in my head.

Mel

Maybe.

Me

Mel...

Mel

Alright, fine. Yes, I’m home. I took the day off.

Me

Good. How do you feel about testing my theory?

I think I’ll have to take an hour long cold shower if she says no.

Mel

I’ll be waiting.

Me

Make sure you wear the hoodie.

Mel

Only the hoodie?

Me

If you insist.

Mel

See you in a bit, Owen.

Me

Counting down the minutes, Mel.

Minutes? More like seconds. Work doesn’t stand a chance. Thank god, I am the boss.

Chapter 12

Mel

I’m curled up onthe sofa, my legs tucked beneath me, wearing an old pair of leggings andthehoodie. The TV is on, but I’m not paying attention to it. My phone sits on the cushion beside me, mocking me with the texts I sent earlier.

What was I thinking?The flirting, the teasing—we were supposed to take it slow. But then, we’ve been dancing around each other for two weeks now since our heart-to-heart. Maybethat is enough slow burn. My therapist said to move forward whenever I feel it’s right and it does feel right.

The sound of keys jingling in the lock makes my heart jump, and I sit up a little straighter, my pulse racing as the door swings open. Owen steps inside, his hair slightly mussed from the wind, his bag slung over one shoulder.

“Hey,” he says, his voice warm and familiar as he kicks off his shoes and hangs up his coat.

“Hey,” I reply, shifting slightly on the sofa.

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