Page 48 of Already At Risk
“I bet Julian knows someone,” Juniper said, and I shoved my hand into my pocket, not wanting anyone to see the way it had automatically balled into a fist. Juniper lifted her gaze from the group of girls, searching for her husband. “Maybe…” Her words died in her throat when she saw me standing behind the table, clearly listening.Shit. “Cam…does?”
Absolutely fucking not.
She gave me a regrettable expression, like she knew this was killing me, a problem all on its own. But she couldn’t havenotacknowledged me. Not when I’d walked up from behind, and Julian wasn’t even paying attention to their conversation.
I cleared my throat, pushing words out of it.
“I’m afraid I can’t recommend anyone to you, Natalie.” I was a selfish bastard, but I didn’t care. The thought of anyone I knew—or didn’t know—touching Natalie made me want to choke on my own tongue. “But maybe Julian will be more helpful.”
Natalie turned, her expression unreadable. I met her gaze, not wanting to shy away but also not wanting her to see the truth in mine. She swallowed hard, and I gritted my teeth, hating every bit of this.
“I have to go,” I said after a beat of silence. “But I wanted to confirm the time for your depo?—”
“Nine o’clock Monday, right?” she interrupted breathlessly, like she couldn’t wait for this interaction to be over.
Made sense.
I couldn’t be upset at her for wanting to experience something better than Korey had given her. God knows she deserved that. And I couldn’t blame her for not wanting it with me. Itcouldn’tbe with me, not right now.
But fuck if I wanted to hear about it.
I gave a curt nod. “Correct. I’ll see you at the office.”
And then I didn’t wait another second before turning on my heel and walking out of the restaurant.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
natalie
BLAKE: Nat, you have that deposition today, right? Need anything?
Yep, I’m heading over to Gardner soon. I think I’m okay.
BLAKE: How about Lane and I drop off some dinner later for you and Chloe?
Sure, that’d be amazing. Thanks, Blake.
NOAH: I should have asked you at the Bellflower, but do you want me to come with you today?
Normally I’d say yes but we’re trying to make you seem less involved, remember?
NOAH: Yeah, still not a big fan of that.
I know. But it’s just for right now.
NOAH:I hate him.
I know that, too.
SULLY: Don’t let anyone try to convince you that you can’t be a high achieving woman and a kick ass mom, Natalie Noelle London.
You’re such a feminist, Sul.
SULLY: I believe in women’s rights and women’s wrongs.
SULLY: In case you wanted my permission to just get rid of the asshole in…other ways.
THEO: Love you, Nat.
