Page 64 of When Sinners Fall
“Seriously? He doesn’t trust me to walk to the office?”
“It’s not about trust, Wren. You wouldn’t be here if he didn’t trust you.”
I narrow my eyes at him, but he can’t see them behind the glasses. It’s like we’re in a standoff again, so I wrench the door open and storm out.
Abel doesn’t talk or ask any questions on the way. Instead, he just shadows me, a fraction of a step behind my shoulder, so I can sense he’s there. Hell, it's like having my own bodyguard.
My skill at getting lost in my own head on the journey to work evaporates like the rest of my patience. What I do notice, is the amount of attention Abel gets from women also on their way into the office. He’s in a well-fitted suit, five o'clock shadow over his jaw, and I guess, he could be described as handsome, certainly to the women along the River Walk.
“Right. I’m here. Thank you for the scintillating company.”
His lips tip up a touch as he pulls open the door for me. I walk into the lobby and head to the elevator, but he’s still there.
“What are you doing?”
“Walking you to work.”
“I’m at work.” I do a little spin and look around the lobby, indicating we’ve arrived, but he simply shoves his hands into his pockets and waits. “Is this going to happen every day? No wait, I don’t want you to answer that.” My foot begins to tap as I wait for the lift, hoping he doesn’t follow me up, but already fuming that I know he will.
This man is infuriating.
Sure enough, as the doors slide open, he waits for me to enter and follows in. My jaw tenses and I count to ten in my head. The second the doors open to our floor, I storm out.
“Morning Wre…” Penny’s greeting dies on her lips as she, no doubt, just clocked a look at who’s following me.
My heels echo on the floor and seem to silence the office. Although, I know it’s not the shoes. It’s my personal escort.
God, I want to shrivel up and hide under my desk.
I drop my bag on the desk, turn and cross my arms.
“Happy?” My smile is forced. Behind my sunglasses, I look left and right and see the rest of the office all gawping at Abel.
“Ecstatic. Have a good day.” He pulls out his phone, checks something, puts it back into his top pocket, and walks out.
I watch him exit and follow the heads of every woman in the office as they track him leaving. Penny’s jaw is practically on the floor as he walks by, and the minute he’s gone, she swishes her hair over her shoulder and hustles over to me.
“Okay, who was that? If you say he’s your boyfriend, I might have to hate you more than I do already.”
“Coffee, Penny. Please.” I rest my head in my hands and pray this day can’t get any worse.
~
Despite my no-show at the venue last night, the small wedding I’m overseeing tomorrow is all in hand. I’ve checked in with all the vendors, and they have delivered most of the items ahead of time. The only things left are the cake and flowers.
This project didn’t start as a client of mine, but I’ve enjoyed working on it because they have at least a little faith in our ability to pull off a stunning wedding. The flowers for the ceremony are truly beautiful. Half their budget has gone on flowers alone, and it’s going to be gorgeous. Ecuadorian Da Vanda Black Orchids, Sunset yellow and black calla lilies and a rainbow of roses will dominate all the decorations.
Although I was publicly walked to work this morning, there was no instruction that I had to stay in the office, and just as well, because I have to check the cake before it’s sent to the venue and then sign off on the buttonholes and bouquets at the florist before it’s all taken over this evening, ready for the wedding tomorrow.
This is the exciting part. This is when the adrenaline kicks in, you get a flutter of excitement, and you see the vision finally come together. I busy myself in the office before I’m due to head out.
Do I need to check in with Dante? I’ve still not heard from him, and after Abel this morning, and last night, I’m not sure about the correct rules. He said he’d be back later today.
I pull my phone out of my bag and fire off another message about my movements today and hope he gets back to me before this evening. Hopefully, it won’t be the wrong decision, as I do want to keep the peace.
~
It’s getting late, and still no word from Dante. If I don’t get on and check these last two things off my list, they won’t be at the wedding tomorrow. So, I order a taxi and hope he understands.
