Page 44 of Miss Typed

I helped her up quickly so she could dress and pack her things. As a last item, just in case they checked, I took my pocketknife out and sliced my hand. Holding the cut over the bed sheets, I let the blood drip down onto the white linens.

“What are you doing?” she asked, watching me.

“Just in case they inspect for evidence.” I had no clue if they’d go to such lengths, but I didn’t want to take a chance they’d think Chloe might be available for another auction.

“But you’re bleeding.”

I quickly took a tissue from the box on the side table and stopped the blood flow. “It’s just a nick. Are you ready?”

She nodded.

I stood by the door, wanting to reiterate what I’d said earlier. “I need you to send me the details about the loan shark. Everything you have about him: his name, address, and the bank account number you wire money to.”

She hesitated. “Instead of texting, I could come over to your place.”

As tempting as it was, I needed to focus on the task at hand, which was to get her out of debt once and for all. And it might mean flying all the way to Canada to do it. “Unfortunately, I have to work. Can you text me that information?”

I didn’t miss the flash of disappointment in her eyes. But I didn’t have time to dwell on it since my phone was buzzing again. Seven o’clock was here.

“Shit, you need to go. Text me the information, Chloe.” I opened the door and walked with her to the elevator. “Also text me once you’re home so I’ll know you got there safely.”

She nodded, appearing awkward about what to do next. I wasn’t sure, either. Hug her? Kiss her goodbye? Shake her fucking hand like an idiot? I decided on nothing.

“Okay. Bye.” She got into the elevator, watching my face until the doors shut.

Chapter Eighteen

Chloe

Walking into the office on the first day of the workweek was usually a mundane affair. But this morning I was on high alert. Correction. My body was on high alert. The craving to see Aiden again after yesterday morning’s encounter was so strong the intensity scared me. I wasn’t sure how I’d go about being in the same room with him without remembering every single detail. My “act cool” card was officially revoked.

I’d texted him once the driver had dropped me at home. Then I’d texted him Donald’s name and the bank account information. But I’d found myself holding back on giving him Donald’s address. Aiden’s reply had been a thank you and nothing further, so maybe he hadn’t needed the address. There had been no other messages, no further clues about what he planned to do with the information, and most disappointing of all, there’d been no invitation to come over to his apartment.

I took a seat at my desk and booted up my computer, frowning when I spotted Aiden’s email titled, “Out of the office this week.” A sudden lump formed in my throat. Double-clicking on the email, I read about his last-minute travel plans and the fact he wouldn’t return until Thursday, at the earliest. I must’ve read his words twenty times, trying to read his intent, and wondering if our time in bed together yesterday was the reason. Had he decided the best way to deal with the awkwardness was not to deal with it at all?

But what concerned me most was how it affected me. I felt rejected and, worst of all, hurt. Emotions I shouldn’t be experiencing over someone who clearly wasn’t interested in a relationship with me. Hadn’t he spelled it out when he’d said he wasn’t the guy to take my virginity? I’d let my heart do the listening despite his words.

Rookie move, Chloe. Rookie move.

So much for not getting attached. But then again, who was I fooling? I always got attached. Hadn’t I held on to the same pillow I’d slept with since I was seven? Hadn’t I brought my dad’s watch with me all the way to Dubai? Didn’t I hold out hope my brother would get clean and call with an apology? I was eternally optimistic, and unfortunately, I wore my heart on my sleeve most of the time.

By lunch, I’d mostly shaken off Aiden’s email.

Teagan eyed me over her salad. “You okay?”

“Mm. Yeah. I’m good.”

“How is your day so far?”

An involuntary sigh left my lips. “My boss is traveling this week.”

She studied me intensely. “You know you can tell me anything, right? I may have a big mouth, and an even bigger personality, but I can keep a secret.”

All I’d confided about the auction was that the person who’d won hadn’t wanted to have sex. I hadn’t been ready to talk about anything more. She’d left it alone, but now, looking at the sincere expression on her face, I felt like a lousy friend for not telling her everything.

I leaned across the table to whisper. “Aiden was the one who won the auction. He found out about it— Well, let’s just say all employee communication is monitored.”

Her eyes widened. “Holy fuckballs.”