Page 40 of When I Found You

“You’re lucky.” I sniff and stare out the window. “I wish I had a bond like you two have. I don’t have any siblings. My dad died when I was three, and mom never remarried.”

“Do you remember him?” Marcy asks, cradling her coffee mug in her hands. “Your dad.”

My gaze fixes firmly on the Empire State Building. “Not really. I have a few memories, but nothing bonded us, you know?” A sad smile crosses my lips. “Mom filled in the blanks. She told me all about him.” I stop myself from saying anything more knowing it will only complicate things.

“Kate.” Marcy reaches across the table to take my hand. “You’re not alone. I’m here for you.” Her warm smile brings tears to my eyes.

“Thanks, Marcy.” I wipe the tears away with my free hand. “I appreciate your support.”

“Don’t worry about finding a place right away either.” She squeezes my hand. “If you need a place to crash, you’re welcome at my place until we can find you something, okay?”

Relief washes over me. “Thank you.”

“Of course.” She releases me and sits back. “And we can start looking for a new job on Monday morning.”

“A new job.” I nod at the realization and my heart sinks. Dad. I won’t get to see him every day. I panic.

“I mean, if you want to work for my brother, that’s completely up to you.”

“No. I mean, yes. You’re right. I should branch out and start looking anyway. The job at the firm was only meant to be temporary anyway.” I fake a smile even though my heart weeps at the thought of abandoning all contact with both my father and Arthur.

“Awesome! There might be a couple of places we can check. Oh, maybe down at the station.” Marcy’s already listing out possibilities, and I’m stuck, mired in my own disappointments. So much for this being an opportunity to spend time with my parents.

Marcy jumps to her feet and carries my empty plate into the kitchen. “Monday morning, for sure,” she calls from the kitchen.

“What’s on Monday morning?” Arthur’s deep voice echoes across the room.

I gasp and spin around. He’s standing beside the television wearing the same suit he wore to the office the day before. His tie is missing and a shadow darkens his jaw.

“Oh, you’re alive. Good.” Marcy props her hand on a hip. “I was about to call the cops and fill out a missing person’s report.”

“Don’t you have somewhere to be?” he growls the question.

“No, actually, I don’t.” She glances at me. “Do you want me to help get your stuff together now?”

Arthur looks like he’s been dragged down an alley and pummeled, but even worse than that, the moment she mentions gathering my stuff, Arthur’s countenance darkens.

“Kate. Can we talk?” He ignores his sister’s indignant huff and steps closer. His intense gaze focused solely on me. “I fucked up. I’m sorry.”

My throat constricts at his apology.

“Call me if you need anything, okay, hon?” Marcy grabs her coat and escapes the apartment as though the whole building were on fire and about to explode.

Arthur’s shoulders slump the moment his sister leaves. “Last night.” He gestures helplessly. “I was an asshole.”

“Yes, you were.” I stand but don’t move any closer. My hands rest on the chair maintaining a barrier between us.

“When this year started, I had plans. Big plans.” He rubs his hand over his jaw. “None of these plans involved a relationship.”

I bite my tongue and hold his gaze steadily. If he wants to dig himself into a deeper hole, I’ll gladly let him. It’ll make it easier for me to walk away.

“But that was before.” He exhales, and lightning flashes in his stormy eyes. “When I found you, I never expected to feel anything this strong. It’s terrifying, honestly.” He scoffs. “We barely know each other, and yet I find myself wanting to not only protect you but possess you.”

“Possess me?”

He licks his lower lip and nods. “All of you. Your body, your mind, all of you. I want to keep you all for myself.”

“That’s a bit misogynistic, Arthur.” My heart races at the thought of being possessed by this man. As much as I want to deny his words affect me, I can’t. Even my physical response to him leaves me confused and aroused.

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