Page 11 of Bound Hearts

Better luck next time.

4

SUTTON

It’s been a few days, and I find myself returning to the finance department. Knocking on the open door to Elodie’s office, I grab her attention when she looks up from her laptop and instantly smiles.

“There you are, Ms. Lawyer Extraordinaire.”

“What are you still doing here? Shouldn’t you have picked up Lola from daycare downstairs? It’s almost six.”

She closes her laptop as though I reminded her of the time. “It’s okay, Hayes picked her up, and I’ll meet them at home. It’s end-of-year financials, so it’s crunch time for me.”

Leaning against the door, I can’t help admiring how she juggles work, motherhood, and Hayes re-entering her life. Am I just looking for proof she’s okay? “All good on the romance front?” I double-check.

Elodie smiles warmly as though she wants to gush. “It is. The power of Everhope and a bench on Main Street does wonders in improving communication and ending disagreements.”

I laugh. "Very true." I haven’t forgotten why I stopped by her office. "Thought I’d say hi before my meeting with Foster." That’s my lead-in. "Hey, what’s the deal with him?"

Her smile drops, and her nose lifts slightly to inspect me. “As in?”

I shrug, keeping it vague. “Is he always a little… overwhelming, but in a good way?”

Elodie lets a knowing groan loose. “No. Oh no.”

I stand at attention, wondering what she’s thinking. “What?” I sound defensive. “It’s a fair question. I’m working with him.”

She shakes her head. “You have that look.”

“I do not,” I chide, doing my best to maintain a neutral face.

“You do. Is he charming you? Because I’ve heard he has that effect on women.”

Creases form on my forehead. “Women? As in, there are a lot?”

She studies me for another second, and her demeanor says she gives up. “Fuck it… there are no women. I mean, he was named in one of those articles about being a leading bachelor in the city, more probably because of his family’s company influence than anything. He most definitely wouldn’t volunteer for that title. I’m sure half the single women in this city would fall to their knees for him, but he hasn’t had a girlfriend for a while, and I have no intention of imagining what his policy on casual dating and hookups is. I’m the one who has to deal with him daily, as I report to him. I’ve already added that he’s the best friend of my baby daddy aspect to our dynamic. Now, do I need to add my best friend is… ah, gah.”

I gasp softly. “Don’t be silly. I’m just curious. We walked around Everhope. He’s a groomsman, I’m a bridesmaid in Savannah’s wedding, and now I have this case… That’s a lot of Foster time.” I drag out my sentence. Am I convincing? Am I deflecting? My curiosity, my excuses—they’re getting harder to separate.

“Yeah, sure.” Her tone confirms I haven’t convinced her. “Look, Savannah ended up with her boss, Julian, who works here, and I would be a hypocrite to say don’t go there. Hell, you two are the only single ones in the bridal party.” At the wedding of the century with an open bar of the most expensive whiskey on the planet, which probably does mystical things to people, reducing inhibitions.

"I’m not. I’m a professional who acknowledges conflicts of interest, and I’ve only just started working here.” Still, I feel a bit defensive explaining myself. I’m also a woman who can keep that separate from my personal life; sex is natural and something to be enjoyed. Being slightly annoyed, I sense Elodie knows my view, which is probably why she called me out on the true nature of my question.

She finally relaxes and smiles. "As a friend, I respect the guy. He’s cold when needed, fair, and always understanding when I need to dash out because of Lola. I can’t think of any red flags."

Admittedly, a small start of a smile begins on my mouth, but I manage to stop it from blooming. “That’s good to hear since I’m working with him and have a meeting now.”

“Sure.” Her voice is full of disbelief.

“Anyhow, I should let you finish up.”

“Thanks. Are you sure you don’t want to stop by for brunch on New Year’s Day?”

My parents are busy with their move and staying in Florida, which means I have the day to myself. It doesn’t disappoint me too much, as I’m not that crazy about holidays. “Maybe. I’m kind of looking forward to downtime where I can stay in my pajamas all day. Plus, you should enjoy spending your first New Year's together with Hayes.”

“Well, if you change your mind.”

I give her an appreciative look before stepping away and heading to Foster’s office. Honestly, I’ve been looking forward to seeing him all day. It’s crazy, but I want to discover more about him, enjoy our flirtatious volleys, and see what suave move he tries today. He intrigues me and weakens me with a single look.