Page 62 of Heart Thief

“It should. Complacency is what kills people. A healthy amount of fear and respect is in order to survive.”

“How long will you stay in this job?”

“I owe the military another year. Then I have a decision to make.”

“Stay in the Army or go back to your father’s business?”

“Yes. And once I make the switch, I won’t be leaving again.”

Zane starts to eat. I can tell he’s in a hurry because he’s ready to crash. I’m relieved that he won’t be in the Army bomb squad forever. Only one more year. I think that’s about all I can handle.

A wisp of fear enters my soul at the thought of him returning to Martel Investments though. More fear than the bomb squad inspires. It’s the enemy camp and he’ll be deep within the trenches. Right along with Ryker and Debra.

Should I be worried for him?

I don’t know. I’m distracted because my heart is still beating on double time after that crazy kiss on the couch. We’re definitely compatible. I want to beg him for a repeat performance.

“About last night,” he says.

We look at each other and smile like two kids who just stole cookies from the cookie jar.

“I guess I’m just like my father. Once I know, I know. I guess it runs in the family. Have I scared you? Do you wanna run away and never look back?”

Um, no. If he knew my thoughts, he’d be blushing. “No, not at all. But I’d be happy to run awaywithyou.”

He offers me a fist bump. “Deal.”

In spite of his light response, the glimmer in his eyes tells me he’s more pleased than he’s letting on.

Me too.

chapter twenty-three

~

MY PHONE RINGSand I know I need to answer it this time. It’s Tuesday, nearly a week since I last spoke to Ryker.

Zane pauses our show. “You’d better answer. He’s not gonna give up. I think this is something we have to face and not hide from.”

I love that he says we. We’re in this together. “Yeah, I guess I better talk to him.”

It’s late evening for us. I think Ryker’s calling during his lunch hour in Japan. I stand, feeling bereft after leaving Zane’s warm embrace. I miss having my head nestled on his chest. Our time together in the evening is my favorite part of the day.

At least Ryker’s call is not a video call this time. He won’t see Zane in the background, waiting for me to return to him on the couch. It’s not like he’ll see that my hair is askew. Or the soft candlelight on the coffee table. All evidence of a romantic evening.

“Hello.”

“Hello, Mila. It’s been a while.”

“Yes, it has. I’m sorry. My performance season starts this week. I’m so busy.”

“I just bet you are.”

His tone gives me pause. “Excuse me?”

“I imagine you are one crazy lady right now. I know how you get before a performance. You have a one-track mind.”

“It’s true.” My guilty conscience is hearing things he’s not saying. I pace the floor and Zane watches me with troubled eyes. He knows the thought of Ryker floods me with uncomfortable emotions. My relationship with him feels unresolved. The thing is, I’ve already moved on.

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