Page 18 of Finding Fate

Wiggling out of his embrace, I stand and shove my anxious hands into the pockets of his jacket.

"We could start as that, if that's what you’d prefer."

"You don't even know me," I blurt. "And you don't understand, Matt. Anyone who gets close to me... it doesn't end well."

For the first time today, he smiles. "You're worth the risk. Don't do it, Fate. Don't go. Stay here, give me the information and let me handle it. You've been through enough."

I have zero idea how to respond to his ludicrous response, but thankfully I don't have to. The crunch of gravel draws my attention away from Matt, who's now looking at me expectantly, and to the parking lot instead. A black Suburban pulls into a spot at the end of the lot and cuts its engine, but no one gets out.

I expected this. Honestly, I thought he would’ve stopped by yesterday after the meeting, but I'm sure being the new cyber crimes director kept him too busy.

Does that sting? How could it when I haven't even congratulated him on the promotion. Coincidently, it happened shortly after the move here, which brought him to DC too.

Without looking directly to Matt, I mumble for him to keep an eye on Dobby and set off to the waiting SUV.

---