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I was hoping to see you today. He turned to face her.
There s this thing called a phone, you know, she muttered.
And I ve heard that thing works both ways, he said with a pointed look. You had a stressful
day. I wanted to give you some space to think things over.
He didn t have to be sweet about it. Not when she was going to give him bad news. This
would ve been easier if he d immediately started to order her around and annoy her again. About
last night& About the meeting that Ken wants.
Michael crossed his arms over his chest. Please tell me you changed your mind about that.
Now or never. I m meeting him for lunch in two hours.
His expression hardened and the muscle in his jaw ticked. You already set it up.
Evelyn helped me. It s a public place. People know where I ll be and who I m meeting. It ll be
fine, Michael.
He narrowed his eyes. So you ve made up your mind then?
No turning back. She squared her shoulders and tried to make sure he knew there was no use
arguing with her.
Instead, he just nodded. At least let me come with you. What is the name of the restaurant?
She shook her head. No. I thought about that already, but the information they want to discuss is
just too sensitive. I can t think up a good enough excuse to bring you along. But it s just a short, in-
and-out thing, Michael. It will be fine. She held her breath as she waited for his outburst or anger.
Just let me know what time you want to leave and I ll have Jerry drive you.
She stared blankly for a moment, waiting for him to yell or scream at her for going ahead with
this. You re not mad?
Of course I m mad, Lori! I m mad at Ken and I m mad at Evelyn and I m mad at Grayson, but
most of all I m mad at myself. But if you insist on taking after my foolishness, then I can t stop you.
But at least you can have Jerry right outside the restaurant waiting for you.
She let out a sigh of relief. I m glad you understand. I ll text you the name of the restaurant as
soon as I m back at my desk. It s some fancy French sounding place and I don t remember the name.
She closed the distance between them and wrapped her arms around his neck. Thank you for
understanding.
He kissed her forehead, her nose, and then her lips. I d do anything to keep you safe, Lori.
I know, she said. And I will be. Promise. She kissed him real quick before she pulled
away. I have a huge pile of stuff to catch up on, but do you want to grab dinner tonight?
Takeout? he asked as she reached the door.
Of course. She gave him a little wink before she left and headed back to her desk.
For the next two hours, her entire mood was lifted. Michael and she were good, and things
would be back to normal as soon as this lunch meeting was over. She felt stupid for not talking to him
sooner. Of course he would understand.
She was in such a good mood, she practically skipped downstairs when it was time to meet Ken
and his associates. She found Michael s car quickly because she was so familiar with it by now and
slid into the backseat.
After pulling up the name of the restaurant, she tried her best to pronounce it for Jerry without
butchering the pronunciation. She had a feeling she failed miserably, but she had the address and that
was the important part.
Jerry turned the key in the ignition. Right away, ma am.
She sat back and was once again filled with warm, fuzzy thoughts of Michael as she watched the
busy sidewalks buzz by. A few minutes passed and Lori frowned at the unfamiliar street they were
stopped at. Hey, she called to Jerry. Aren t we supposed to be going north?
There was a pause before he answered. Mr. Devereaux suggested this would be the best
route.
Well, he was wrong, obviously. Can we turn around?
Another pause. I have to follow orders, ma am.
Realization crashed down. Michael told you to drive me away from the restaurant. The words
felt dry and heavy in her mouth.
Jerry didn t answer, which told her all she needed to know. Let me out of the car, she
ordered. Now. They stopped at a light and she tried to tug at the door handle, but it wouldn t open.
Let me out or I m going to call the police!
He didn t say anything as the light turned green and he turned left. Lori thought back and
realized he d already made two left turns. He was driving her in circles.
She pulled out her phone, but instead of calling 911, she dialed Michael. She half expected him
to ignore her call, but apparently he did have the balls to answer.
Hello, Lori, he said in a resigned tone.
Son of a bitch knew exactly why she was calling.
What the hell are you doing? she bit out.
I told you already. I m not letting you put yourself in any more danger. I was serious about
that.
And just today? When you seemed so accepting? You were already planning this, weren t
you?
Hate me if you want, but Jerry isn t bringing you back until at least one o clock.
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