Page 81 of Dating Goals
“I really have to go.” She tries to pull her hand away, but I hold fast.
“Why? Because of that guy? Because of what you saw at the bar?” I step closer, ducking my head to meet her eyes. “Or because of what just happened between us?”
She looks away, her freckles like stardust in the moonlight. “All of it.”
The mental clock in my head ticks louder. I’m supposed to be meeting Elodie soon for whatever secret spy business we’re doing. If I’m late, the whole operation could fall apart. But letting Anika leave like this feels wrong on every level.
“Stay.” I tug her gently toward me. “Please. We can leave together if you want. Forget the party, forget everything else.”
Her laugh is soft and a little sad. “You can’t forget everything else, Griffin. Can you?”
The helicopter hovers closer now, snow swirling around us in its artificial wind. My watch vibrates, announcing the top of the hour.
“Look, I can explain everything,” I say, raising my voice over the noise. “Just not right now. Not here.”
“I think that’s my point.” She finally pulls her hand free.
The accusation stings because it’s true.
“Okay, yes, I have a meeting I need to get to.” I run a hand through my hair, frustrated. “But it’s not what you think. I’m not…I wouldn’t…”
How do I explain that I’m playing spy without sounding completely insane? Or worse, like I’m making up excuses?
“I’m not above begging,” I say finally, dropping to one knee dramatically. “Please, please, please stay. I’ll buy you a pony. Two ponies. A whole stable of tiny horses.”
A reluctant smile tugs at her lips. “Get up, you lunatic.”
“Not until you agree to stay.” I grab her hand and press it to my heart. “Feel that? That’s what you do to me.”
Despite everything, she laughs. A real laugh that crinkles the corners of her eyes.
“I’ll learn to yodel. I’ll memorize the entire Swiss national anthem. I’ll…”
“Stop.” She presses her fingers to my lips, and the simple touch sends electricity down my spine. “You’re impossible.”
“Give me one good reason why you can’t stay.”
She rolls her eyes. “I’m tired.”
“Liar.”
The helicopter touches down at the far end of the terrace, its blades slowing just enough for safe boarding. A man in a flight suit jumps out and waves us over.
Anika steps back, creating a gulf between us. “Griffin, you need to leave this party. Now. It’s not…safe.”
“Not safe?” I echo, frowning. “What did that guy tell you?”
She shakes her head. “I can’t…Just trust me, okay?”
“I can’t leave yet,” I admit, hating the words even as I say them. “I have something I need to finish here.”
She studies me for a long moment, then nods like she’s made a decision. “Then I can’t help you.”
The helicopter pilot signals impatiently. Anika slips out of my jacket, pressing it into my hands.
“Anika.”
“Goodbye, Griffin.” She steps back, the wind whipping her hair around her face. “Thank you for the practice…well, you know.”
