Page 39 of Unraveled

Edward’s inquisitive gaze landed back on Audrey. “Have we met before?”

“In passing, maybe?” she said with a polite smile. “I’ve been here a few times, so I’m sure we’ve crossed paths.”

He didn’t like the way Edward watched her, his eyes assessing, searching. Maybe it was a good thing he’d seen him with Audrey. Maybe he could finally get it through to Kaylee that there would never be anything between them. Stepping even closer to her, he spoke. “I know you need to get going.”

His words seemed to jolt Edward from his reverie, and he flashed an insincere smile. “Enjoy your afternoon.”

He nodded, then let out a pent-up breath as he guided Audrey from the office and out to her car. He waited as she used the fob to unlock it, then opened the door. Her hand rested on the top of the door, and she paused as she climbed in, then turned to him. “It’s not really my place to ask, but…”

She bit her lip, and he settled his hand over hers. “You can ask me anything, always.”

Her eyes darted to the side before meeting his again. “That girl. Are you…?”

“Never.” He gave a quick shake of his head. “Not for lack of trying on her part. But there’s only one woman I’m interested in, and it’s not her. I think she finally figured that out today.”

Audrey blushed, and her gaze dropped to where their hands were linked. She nodded slightly. “Okay.”

He wanted so badly to kiss her, but he forced himself to let her go. He had to remind himself that she’d agreed to being friends—nothing more. Yet. “Drive safe.”

“I will.” She slipped behind the wheel of the car, and he shut the door behind her. With a little wave, she drove off, and a smile curled his lips. As he watched her turn out of the parking lot, he was already calculating just how long to wait before he called her again and when he could next see her. There wasn’t a chance he was letting her slip away now, no matter what he had to do.

CHAPTER

NINETEEN

Audrey shifted restlessly, trying to take the strain off her aching feet. She was already starting to seriously regret wearing the three-inch heels, but she wanted to look nice.

For Carter? her brain whispered conspiratorially. She shook it away. She’d dressed up to look good for herself and herself alone. That’s what she told herself—but she knew she was lying. She wanted him to desire her even if she wasn’t quite sure what would happen between them, if anything.

Nerves battered her insides at the thought of seeing Carter again. Though they’d texted and spoken on the phone several times over the past week, he’d never made any attempt at flirtation or tried to take things further. She didn’t know what to think about this meeting today. A coffee break at three o’clock was too late to be a friendly lunch, yet too early for an intimate dinner date. He’d thrown her for a loop, and she didn’t like it at all.

She felt so much better knowing exactly where she stood with someone. She despised trying to read between the lines, as she had for so many years with her ex. Carter had seemed so intent just a few weeks ago on dating seriously, yet he hadn’t brought it up again. It was frustrating, and she hated herself for worrying over it. She was the one who’d told him it would never happen, and here she was, disappointed at the prospect that he wanted to just be friends.

She let out a disgusted little sound as she kicked at the sidewalk, scuffing the toe of her expensive stiletto. Scowling at the torn leather, she leaned against the rough brick building and let out a little growl. What was wrong with her? She already knew the answer to that. She wanted Carter, way more than she’d ever admit out loud.

She pulled her phone from her bag and checked the time again. He’d called half an hour ago to let her know he was running late, but it was already a quarter after three. Her stomach twisted into a tight knot. She should be relieved. She should turn around, get in her car, and head home—alone.

But for some stupid reason, all she could think about was Carter. He’d promised friendship because that was all she was willing to offer. Why was she so disappointed about that? She’d been divorced for barely more than a week. She couldn’t even contemplate the idea of letting another man into her life yet, even one as sweet as Carter.

As if her thoughts conjured him, she glanced up to see him round the corner of the building. She sank her teeth into her lower lip as her gaze swept over him from head to toe. Dressed in dark charcoal slacks and a blue shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, he looked sexier than any man deserved to. He’d removed his jacket and tie, and the collar of his shirt had been unbuttoned, giving her a peek at the deeply tanned skin at the base of his neck.

Her heart thudded against her ribs as her gaze moved upward and caught the curl of his lips. That smile literally made her knees weak, and she swayed slightly as he approached, thankful for the hard wall behind her, holding her up. His head turned, his attention moving toward the street, and the smile slipped from his face. “Down!”

Confused at his reaction, she followed his gaze to the car. The passenger side window had been rolled down, and the driver came into view as he pulled almost even with her. Her eyes swept over the man behind the wheel. He was nothing more than a dark silhouette, the hooded sweatshirt out of place in the sweltering heat of the summer afternoon.

His face was obscured by a ball cap and sunglasses, and she trailed her gaze lower, over his arm extended outward—toward her. Sunlight glinted off the black object in his hand, and her heart stopped. He has a gun.

“Get down!”

She jumped at Carter’s harsh command, and she sucked in a breath as a loud pop splintered the quiet afternoon. Pain ripped through her as Carter tackled her around the waist, taking her to the ground and stealing the breath from her lungs. It felt like a brick wall had slammed into her body, and a wave of fire shot down her arm.

Carter’s terse expletive cut through her delirium, and she blinked against the spots dancing before her eyes, unable to comprehend exactly what had happened. She flailed uncomprehendingly but was restrained by Carter’s heavy weight still on top of her. Suddenly, a second crack split the air and shattered glass rained down around them.

“Stay down!”

Carter pushed her head back down, tucking her further into the protection of his large body, and she struggled to draw in a breath.

“C-can’t⁠—”