Page 94 of Craving Danger

Honestly, I need to process the freaking hot kiss he laid on me. I can’t focus on work while my lips still tingle.

Leaving the building, I head to the subway, and when I reach my apartment, I can still feel Mr. Vitale’s lips on mine.

Then, a realization hits me. I didn’t have a panic attack when Mr. Vitale kissed me.

That’s a win, right?

My phone begins to ring, and I almost ignore it but change my mind because it might be my parents.

Looking at the screen, I see Jenny’s name.

“Hey,” I answer.

“Where are you? I called your desk to see if you wanted to join me for lunch and almost had a heart attack when Mr. Vitale answered.”

I walk to one of the couches and plop down on it. “I’m at home. Mr. Vitale gave me the rest of the day off.”

“Why? Are you sick?” she asks.

“No, I just have something I’m dealing with.”

“Oh? Do you want to talk about it?”

I’m quiet for a moment, then say, “I fell in love with a man, and it turned out he wasn’t who I thought he was.”

“What? Hold up,” she gasps. “You fell in love and didn’t tell me?”

“I was busy at work and then went on vacation. And you’re busy with the wedding planning. We haven’t had time,” I say in my defense.

“Mrs. Jones is in a meeting, so I have time now. Spill it.”

“Ugh. It’s all too confusing to explain.”

“Come on. Try. You can’t leave me hanging like this,” she argues.

“I met the man a month ago. He was perfect, and I fell in love, but last night, I discovered he was not who I thought he was. He wants to work through it, but I’m not sure that’s a good idea.” I let out a sigh. “So now I’m stuck in limbo.”

“What do you mean he’s not the person you thought he was? Did he suddenly grow a vagina? Ooh, is he a spy?”

“No,” I mutter. “I can’t explain it.”

“Okay, but you said he was perfect?” Suddenly, she gasps. “Shit, did he hit you?”

“No!” I sit upright and shake my head. “He would never hurt me.”

Hearing myself say the words, it sinks in.

He might’ve betrayed me, but he’d never physically hurt me.

“Oh, thank God. I was worried there for a second,” Jenny says. “What made him perfect?”

“He was gentle and caring. I could tell him anything, and he made me feel safe,” I tell her.

He made me feel safe.

Even when we were attacked, he was focused on keeping me alive.

My eyes widen, and I murmur, “Jenny, I have to go. I’ll call you later.”