Page 94 of Follow the Rhythm
A little thrill of inspiration ran through me. It felt amazing to be good at something.
We worked through lunch, and around three o’clock, Ursula got tired.
“This fucking hip,” she said, wincing. “I’m fine until I’m not. You okay if we pack up a little early?”
“Of course. Do you need help getting home?”
Ursula scoffed. “From you? You’d break under my weight.” I scowled at her. “I’ll be fine. They cleared me for driving a week ago. See you tomorrow?”
I nodded and watched her walk out, leaning heavily on her cane. I was glad her daughter hadn’t convinced her to retire, but I would watch to make sure she didn’t overdo it. Without her noticing, of course, or she’d tear me a new one.
I considered staying to work on the illustration concepts on the fancy studio computer, but there wasn’t the same energy without Ursula there. And after my encounter that morning, I didn’t want to tempt fate by riding the train home late. Unfortunately, I couldn’t always count on having backup.
The hallway was deserted and quiet. I hummed to myself as I walked to the elevator bank, one of the bright, sparkly Jinx songs we’d listened to for inspiration. I thought about what I’d have fordinner, and considered asking Austin if they wanted to go out somewhere to celebrate my second first day at work.
The elevator pinged, and a gust of familiar scent rolled out towards me. Strawberry and mint, more tart today than I remembered, but still sweet enough to make my mouth water. In the fraction of a second before I saw him, a whole range of emotions rushed through me. Anticipation, fear, sadness…
When I met his eyes, my inner Omega had finally settled on how I should feel. A fierce wanting made my heart pound.
Kieran looked angry enough to make me hesitate before I stepped into the elevator, but his face softened when he met my eyes. His hair was pulled into a bun, which emphasized his strong eyebrows, and his beard was longer than when I’d last seen him. He had his sleeves rolled up, and I unconsciously traced the lines of his tattoos.
I stepped into the tightly enclosed space. His scent was everywhere, and I bit back the instinctive whimper that wanted to escape. My perfume kicked up in response. It seemed my ability to control my reaction to him had disappeared completely. Kieran shifted on his feet.
“Hi,” I squeaked, facing forward.
“Hello,” he said, sounding a little unsure and strangely formal. “How are you?”
“Fine.” I couldn’t look at him. Was he looking at me? I chanced a glance, and he was watching me how I imagined someone would watch a wild horse they wanted to tame but were wary of spooking. I looked away quickly.
The floors ticked by. I was acutely aware that I needed to say something.
“Are you okay?” I asked. “I heard about the album leaking.”
“Not really,” he said with a gusty sigh. “They’re threatening to sue.”
“What? Why?” I turned fully towards him. His eyes flicked down to my lips briefly.
“We don’t technically own the album. So whoever leaked it, they’ve leaked Echelon property.”
“That’s such bullshit,” I said, pissed on his behalf.
He smiled slightly. “That’s the business, love. It’s all just about the money.”
“That makes me want to quit this new tour design contract.” Was the money worth it? I’d always known they were evil corporate fucks, but this seemed especially bad.
“You’re working with Ursula again? Hopefully, your next project will go the full run,” he said, still with that wry half smile.
The elevator dinged. We were in the lobby. That couldn’t be right. I hadn’t figured out how to say all the things that were crowding in my mind yet.I missed youandI’m sorrywere currently battling it out for the top spot, but my mouth stayed stubbornly shut.
We walked out into the crowded lobby, through the front doors, and onto the sidewalk together. Traffic rushed by, and the honking horns were louder than ever. I couldn’t sort through my thoughts, and I still had no idea what to say to get us back to the place we’d been before I sabotaged everything.
Kieran looked down at me with a sad smile, then tucked a wayward strand of hair behind my ear. My heart leapt at his casual touch.
“It was good to see you, love. I know I should play it cool, but I have missed you. And I don’t know how much longer I’ll be hanging around Fairview once all this is wrapped up. I’ll probably have to sell my flat to afford the legal fees,” he joked darkly.
“Oh. Right. It was good to see you, too.” Panic blossomed in my chest. He wasleaving? Where the hell was he going?
He stood for another long moment, looking at me with a searching expression in his eyes. I took a deep breath, trying to center my thoughts, but it was impossible with the tide of people flowing around us and the cacophony of the city echoing in my brain.
