Page 22 of His Gift
He dips down and cups my nape before kissing me as if he's stocking up for the rest of the day. I'm in a rush; still, I can't help but hug him tightly and give him my full attention. I really want to know what he was like with other women. He can't be this way only with me.
When I get out of the bathroom already dressed, he's back in bed checking his phone, but I immediately get his full attention.
"You look very sharp, sweet girl. Are you sure you don't want a nice break around lunchtime?"
"I'd look a lot less sharp if I came to your place for anice break."
"Fine. I'll shower, and I'll be out of here. Do I get a copy of your keys?"
"Do you need one? You came and went however you pleased," I retort, my eyebrows raised high. Let's not forget what he did.
"Why risk getting caught when I'm doing things right?"
"Are you? Okay. There's a spare set on the cabinet by the front door." I look to make sure they're still there, but they're not.
"Oh… I must have kept them from yesterday."
"You're impossible. How did you learn to pick locks anyway?"
"The only time I find people bearable is when they have a skill. And you wouldn't believe how many talented thieves you can find in foster care. My time in the Marines, working with their digital intelligence officer, covered the rest of those less-than-orthodox abilities you've been curious about." I scoff and roll my eyes.
"You could have learned other skills. I'm out of here."
"Not so fast." He's in front of me in a second. "Thank you. It might seem like I don't get it, but I know how conflicted you are and I appreciate you letting me stay." I just nod, grab my coat, and burst out the door. I'm not conflicted, I'm lost. I've gotten close to him faster than to anyone in my life and I'm letting him stay because I already can't see how we can be apart. And it's wrong. It's not sane. And it's dangerous. Especially when I have to figure out a whole lot of shit from my past.
seventeen
Harper
"Good morning, Miss Schmidt, you're back!"
"You can call me Harper, I told you, Paula." Especially today.
I've dropped my ex's last name as if it were a hot potato, but right now I don't feel happy with my last name either.
"Is everything alright now?"
"Yes… I had a few things to take care of regarding my… father's passing. I'm sorry I let everyone down."
"Oh, you run a pretty tight ship. We were fine." This girl obviously has too high an opinion of me.
"So, what's the agenda for today?" Besides conquering the Mount Everest of emails in my inbox.
"You have a ten o'clock meeting with senior management that Bob was going to attend for you and there's a contract to review. I've already done all the research, but it needs a last check from you. Otherwise, it's a pretty quiet day." Cool, I'm up for a quiet day. I haven't had one in a while.
My phone’s beeping makes me raise my head from the contract—the very contract giving me a headache and a bad feeling.
Sure you don't want to have lunch? I happen to be just outside.
I smile. Yeah, he happens to be. The idea of letting Conrad melt the stress away is so appealing that I actually think about it. But I have a phone call with the Deputy General Counsel in an hour and I want to see if I can make head or tails of this contract. And check if there are others like this one.
100% sure
Do you want me to bring you something to eat?
Holy fuck, doesn't he have a company to run? Or stalker-y plans to concoct?
I might miss you too, but I'm overwhelmed thanks to a man who thought abducting me was a good idea. See you at dinner. And bring your food with you. It's a deal breaker.
