Page 25 of Deepest Obsession

“So what if I do?”

My toes curl in my shoes. This is all going too fast. “Look, I get that you’re trying to prove yourself, but—”

“This has nothing to do with that, and everything to do with your wellbeing. You walked out of the coffee shop today, and I barely recognized you. You’re exhausted. If I pick you up in the mornings, you’ll be able to sleep in more.”

He’s right, and I know it. I’ve been working myself so hard lately. Too hard. But I have bills to pay, and a writing career that I’m finally getting started. Neither of those things can wait.

Honestly, not having to catch the bus or walk to and from work would be really nice. It’d save me some time, and I’d be able to sleep in a bit more each morning.

“All right, fine.” I grab my bag from the back, pausing to look at him. My heart softens when I find him watching me. “Thank you.”

He kisses me. “I’ll see you in the morning, Sophia.”

CHAPTER FOUR

SOPHIA

FOR THE next few days, Alexander picks me up without complaint, often with a homemade breakfast smoothie or my favorite salad in hand. It warms my heart, but it scares me at the same time.

On Friday, we’re driving in silence, his hand resting on my leg. Music plays softly from the radio, and I’m about ready to fall asleep again. We were slammed today, and I’m starving.

Alexander’s voice breaks the silence. “I have a gala tomorrow night. Charity thing. I need you to come with me.”

His gaze is fixed ahead. If he’s afraid of rejection, he’s not showing it.

I bite my lip. I really need to work on my client’s book. The deadline is approaching fast, and I want to put my best foot forward.

I haven’t told Alexander about my client. It feels awkward, embarrassing. He’s had his hands in some of the biggest tech companies in the country since before he even graduated high school. My little side hustle is barely surviving, and who knows if I’ll be able to get a client after this one?

Writing has been my dream career since I was in high school. The fact that I’m just starting is embarrassing. And failing? That would be downright humiliating.

Which is why I haven’t told a single soul—other than Lissa—and I’m not going to.

“I don’t have a dress.” It’s a lame excuse, but it’s true. Nothing I have would be fancy enough.

“I already bought you one.” He’s still looking ahead, almost stoic.

Anxiety curls in my stomach at the thought of being in a room full of people who are all more successful, more rich, and more put-together than I am.

But at the same time, it’d be nice to be seen with Alexander. To let everyone know that he’s taken. I’m no fool—he had girls practically throwing themselves at him in high school. I highly doubt that’s changed.

“I know it’ll probably be a little awkward,” he says. “There’ll be some people there who recognize you. But I have no problem with leaving early if things get too uncomfortable for you.”

My heart skips a beat. I hadn’t even thought about that. How many of my old high school friends will be there? And what am I supposed to tell them when they ask me what I’m up to now? That I work in a coffee shop, live in a rundown house, and can barely make ends meet?

That I’m back together with the man who, five years previous, broke my heart? Broke me?

“That’s... that’s a lot, Xander.”

He squeezes my leg. “I know. I promise I won’t leave your side. And if you don’t want to talk about yourself, I can help direct the conversation away from you. I just want you there.”

I can’t deny the relief that floods my chest at his words. But he’s probably been to tons of these things by himself. Or with countless other dates.

A flare of jealousy shoots through me, and before I can stop myself, I say, “Why? Why me? Can’t you go with someone else? Or your sister?”

He finally gives me a glance—fleeting but so focused it almost takes my breath away. “Because I want everyone to know that you’re mine.”

My heart warms, but it does nothing to ease the knots in my stomach. “I don’t know, Alexander. It’s been so long since I’ve been to one of these events. And it’ll be so late by the time you drop me off.”

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