Page 187 of This Bitter Sweet Temptation
He nudges one of the paper bags toward me. A croissant and a small chocolate éclair. The intoxicating smell hits me and my stomach growls.
It’s been too long. I remember I barely picked at a chicken wrap I brought on the plane from a small grab-and-go place in the private terminal.
“No need to go into this hungry,” he says.
“Right. Thanks again.”
We both eat in near silence. My mouth burns every time I think about the things I want to say, the ridiculous words I want to hear.
After all this time, I wish he’d just admit he cares one more time. Tell me this distance is killing him, too.
But he doesn’t say one word as he wolfs down a breakfast wrap, and neither do I.
When my phone buzzes, I snatch it, happy for the smallest distraction. Though when I see who’s calling, my stomach drops.
The curator, Talbot.
I switch on my sunniest smile and answer the call.
“Hi, Mr. Talbot. How can I help?”
“I’m just calling to confirm our meeting is still on for this morning,” he says pleasantly. “Nine o’clock sharp?”
“Yes, that’s right. We’re almost ready.” I sip my coffee, wishing my head wasn’t pounding. “Is everything still good on your end?”
For a second, he hesitates.
That weird dread I’ve carried the whole way here deepens.
“Actually, Miss Blackthorn, there’s been a slight change in plans,” he admits. “Mr. Fairfax has gotten in touch. He wanted to personally wish you well and see the egg off. I trust there’s no issues with this?”
Holden puts his cup down slowly, his dark eyes searching my frown. I turn away protectively, knowing he won’t like it.
If Holden’s right and Fairfax has other intentions…
But this is at a city museum for shit’s sake. Nothingcouldhappen there.
Nothing will.
“That should be fine,” I mutter. “I’ll clear it and we’ll be there in roughly an hour as planned.”
“Great! I look forward to seeing you then.” He ends the call and after a second, I set my phone back on the table.
“What?” Holden clips, his eyes fixed on my face. “I know that look.”
“What look?”
“Something’s wrong. What is it?”
“Nothing!” But the jitter in my gut tells me that’s not true. “It’s just, there’s been a development.”
Holden’s eyes go pitch black as he watches me. “Cleo, tell me.”
I take another gulp of coffee, like caffeine will magically stop Holden from overreacting and going all secret service man.
“It’s no big,” I stress. “Talbot just called to tell me Fairfax will be there too.”
“Absolutely not,” Holden growls without skipping a beat.
