Page 59 of Trip Me Up

Bilbo leaned against her leg and whined.

I shoved my glass of champagne into Qiana’s hand. “Cover for us. We need a minute.”

Wrapping an arm around Sam’s waist, I guided her into Heidi’s office. I eased her into one of the guest chairs and then gently pried her fingers off the stem of her champagne flute.

I laid my hand on the back of her neck the way she’d said she liked. “I’m going to let you chill out for a little while. I’ll be right outside the door, so call me if you need me. I’ll check on you in five minutes, okay?”

She said nothing, other than a barely perceptible nod.

I eased the door closed and then leaned against it. I crossed my arms. No one was coming in. She needed a minute with her thoughts, five minutes away from all the strangers and the noise. She’d be fine, wouldn’t she?

Unless…

Just a minute ago, I’d felt vindicated, validated, on top of the world. Recognized for my work by experts in my field.

But, as usual, Sam was a step ahead of me.

Only one of us could win.

What if it was her?

What if it was me?

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