I step closer to him, the candlestick held aloft and my eyes narrowed on his.
“Where is he? Tell me, so I can gokill him.”
“He’s busy.”
“Doing what?”
“He’s in a business meeting.”
“It’s Sunday.”
He shrugs. “Babe, just let it be.”
“No, I will notlet it be!Come on, Knox, are you seriously not going to tell me where he is?”
“Depends.”
“On?”
“On whether you’re gonna attack anyone with that candle.” He reaches out and plucks it from my grasp. “And whether you’re gonna make a big scene.”
“I won’t make a scene,” I say automatically.
His eyebrow arches dubiously.
“I won’t!” I insist, crossing my fingers behind my back. “Promise.”
He continues staring at me.
“Want me to pinky swear?” I offer.
“Christ,” he mutters to the ceiling. “She crosses her fingers behind her back and offers to pinky swear, like a kindergartener. Chase is fucked.”
“I’m right here, you know.” I cross my arms over my chest. “I can hear you.”
His eyes crinkle again as they return to mine. “Know that, babe.”
“Please tell me,” I beg, my voice cajoling.
He pauses, staring at me.
“Please,” I repeat softly.
“Christ.” He blows out a huff of air. “He’s in his office. Down one floor, take a left. Can’t miss it.”
“Thanks.” I grin at him, grab my purse off the counter, and beeline for the elevator doors.
The whole ride down, I practice what I’m going to say to Chase.
Starting withyou’re a crazy personand ending withI’m not moving in with you, ever.
Okay, maybe notever.
But, not for a long,loooooongtime.
When the doors chime open, I step into a hallway I recognize. Sure, last time I was here it was in the throes of a renovation and I was being led around by an aloof blonde named Anita… but it’s definitely the executive suite at Croft Industries.
There are still signs of work being done — unfinished wall sections marked with blue painter’s tape, small piles of plaster dust in the hallway corners, clear plastic drapes protecting the hardwood floors from paint droplets — but for the most part, it looks great. Gone are the garish green tones, the horrid carpeting, the heavy furnishings. It’s been tastefully decorated in what I’m coming to recognize as Chase’s signature taste: practical, pretty-looking furniture, that’s upscale without being uncomfortable.