Page 75 of One Touch

“I’ll text you when I’m on my way home. Good luck with your mom.”

Lathan grimaced, stepped back, and let me go. I turned one last time at the door and drank him in. Yeah, he was worth all the secrecy.

* * *

“Miller, do you have the contact information for the caterers? I need to verify if one of the appetizers is gluten-free,” Lexi asked.

“Uh, yeah. It’s on my phone. One second.” I patted my pocket but didn’t find my phone. I mentally scanned when I last had it. “Fudge. I left it at home.”

“Can you ask Lathan to bring it? You’re still living at his place, right?”

“Um. Yes. But he’s not coming tonight.”

“No? Why not?”

“He, um, had another event to attend. But he might be able to drop it off. I just need to find a way to text him.”

“Find Samson and use his phone. He’s in the main room.”

“Perfect. Thanks, Lexi. I’ll be right back.”

She smiled and returned to talking with some volunteers while I jogged into the main room. The gala was set to start any minute now, and the venue was full of bodies dressed to the nines. I hoped the number of people boded well for the Rainbow Lounge. It was a good organization and deserved the recognition.

Security nodded at me as I stepped back into the room. They were posted at every door, and there were even metal detectors for the guests to go through at the front. It was a little overkill, but I suppose there were a lot of high-value items in the auction. I spotted Samson and headed toward him. When I neared, I stumbled when I noticed who he was speaking with.

“Ah, the man of the hour,” Jack, our captain, said, clapping me on the back.

“Hi, um, thanks for coming.”

“Wouldn’t miss it. You’re family, and I’m an ally. Wasn’t a hard choice.”

Warmth flooded me at his words. Bell approached next and gave me a hug and a smile. I nodded hellos to Wyatt Whitney and Ethan Harrison, who were also gathered. Though the latter looked like he wanted to murder the hand I still had clasped on Bell’s shoulder. Dropping it, I remembered my reason for seeking Samson.

“Can I use your phone to call Lathan? I left mine at the apartment, and I need something off it. I want to catch him before he leaves.”

“Sure.” He pulled his out and unlocked it, opening up the contacts for me.

“Thanks.” I turned away, dialed the number, and prayed I wasn’t too late.

“Samson, aren’t you with Miller? Is something wrong?”

I smiled. “Hey, it’s me.”

“Mills? Why are you calling me from Murdock’s phone?”

“Are you still at the apartment?”

“Technically, James is waiting for me to get into the car.”

“Can I ask for a favor?”

“Anything.”

I smiled wider. This man had my heart in a chokehold.

“I left my phone in my room. It’s probably on my desk or dresser. Or maybe even my bed. Shoot. I can’t remember. Someone distracted me when I was leaving,” I teased.

Lathan chuckled. I heard the sound change and knew he was headed back into the building. “I’ll find it. Do you need it or something off it?”

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