Page 117 of Playing With Fire

“And I wasn’t trying to touch yours.” I joke, needing to move us back into banter territory. Back where it’s safe.

Bishop chokes on his coffee. I press my lips together, fighting the smile that threatens to break through. He coughs once, setting his mug down harder than necessary. “Christ, Laney.”

“What? We’re clarifying, right?” I shrug.

Mission accomplished.

“Glad we cleared that up.”

Some of the awkwardness between us cracks. Not all of it. But enough that I can breathe again.

Bishop drags a hand over the back of his neck. “I just needed a minute.”

I nod, even though that explanation creates several new questions I absolutely do not have time to ask.

“You didn’t do anything wrong.”

“Neither did you,” I throw back, but the pull between his brows says he’s not so convinced.

The refrigerator hums into the silence that follows.

Bishop reaches for his coffee again. “I can drive you.”

“I’ll take the train.”

He hesitates. “You sure?”

“Yeah. I’m already cutting it close.”

“All right.”

I make it two steps toward the door before stopping. “Shoot.”

“What?”

“Darcy. I didn’t feed him.”

Bishop glances toward the living room. “I’ll do it.”

I turn back. “You?”

Darcy appears at the edge of the kitchen as if summoned. He and Bishop share a look. “We’ll manage,” Bishop says.

I hesitate.

“Go. You’re gonna miss your train.”

“Thanks.” I slip out the door before either of us can say anything else.

The elevator takes forever. Or maybe it only feels that way because there’s nowhere to go and absolutely nothing to distract me from the last hour of my life.

I tighten my grip around my travel mug and watch the illuminated numbers steadily drop.

Floor after floor.

I’ve officially lived in Chicago for two weeks today, which feels impossible.

Especially considering half my life is still boxed up in my car in Bishop’s parking garage. I’ve been bringing things upstairs a bag at a time. Clothes when I need them. A few books. Another pair of shoes—Darcy’s ridiculous collection of stuff.