Page 88 of Catch You

“Corey,” she snaps, effectively cutting off my argument. “Just do it.”

“Okay,” I mutter, knowing full well that I’ll do whatever it takes to ensure my afternoon client is done in plenty of time to collect her. I refuse to take her car and force her to find another way home. Plus, if I’m honest, I don’t want her going home. I want her with me.

A trickle of concern runs down my spine that I’m about to find myself evicted any day now, and that I won’t have a home to take her back to, but I push it away, just like I’ve done for the past few weeks.

“You okay?” she asks, noticing the change in me.

“Yeah, just looking forward to picking you up later.”

“Oh yeah? Got big plans, have you?”

“I might have.” It’s a lie; I haven’t planned anything. But there’s plenty of time to do so.

She smiles at me. It’s so innocent yet full of passion. It totally disarms me.

Leaning over, I wrap my hand around the nape of her neck and pull her into me.

“Thank you for trusting me last night.” My lips brush against hers as I say the words.

“You too.” Her hand lands on my shoulder, and she tugs to close the last bit of space between us. I know she wants to kiss me, but equally I know she wants to end the conversation.

I heard the pain in every word she said last night. I know how hard it was for her to tell me.

Do I feel guilty for not returning the favour? Hell yeah. But equally, I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to say the words. I’ve never explained it to anyone. The only people who know about it are those who were around at the time. Even all these years on, the pain is just too much. Merely thinking about it shreds me.

“I finish at five. But no pressure. If you can’t make it back, just give me the heads up, yeah?”

“I’ll be here.”

“Okay. See you then.”

She hesitates to get out of the car. It’s not until I laugh at her for hovering that she finally pushes the door open and walks towards the imposing building. I watch her every movement, my eyes locked on her arse as it sways.

Before she disappears through the main doors, she turns and gives me a smile and wave. I return the gesture before reversing her car from the space.

Suddenly thoughts of tomorrow aren’t so scary.

Making the most of having a vehicle, I run a few errands and do a little grocery shopping before making the trip I’m dreading … to my letting agent.

I pull up out the front of their shop and kill the engine. I’ve been here countless times, trying to buy myself some more time. They were lenient to start with, but I know this is it. That finaleviction notice is more than enough evidence. It doesn’t stop me blowing out a large breath and pushing the car door open.

Before, I might have been okay with living in my room at the studio. But it’s not just me now. I need to think of Harlow. My priorities are suddenly a little different.

I want to be the man she deserves if we’re going to be continuing with whatever this is that I refuse to label. I want to be someone she can be proud of. I want to have a place where she can stay the night and enjoy spending time.

“Mr. Edwards, how lovely to see you,” Chris, the guy who’s been dealing with me announces as I walk towards his desk. “What can I help you with?”

I take a seat when he gestures for me to do so.

“I need to come up with a plan. I can’t lose the flat. Not now. I’ve got a little money from last month. It’s not the whole amount, but?—”

Chris’s brows draw together in confusion as he looks at his computer. “Your account has already been settled.”

“I’m sorry, what?” I lean towards him, thinking I misheard.

He clicks about on his computer for a few seconds before nodding.

“Full payment plus six months of advanced rent was made this morning. Look.” He spins the computer screen to show me.

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