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The curtain sheers blow inward from the balcony, and I go on high alert. Swiping a knife off the counter, I prowl closer to the open door.

I reach out and yank the material aside. The sliding door is half open. I look around before I step out into the cool September air, ready for an attack. But the balcony is empty. I look over the railing, not that I think someone scaled a forty-two-story condo building to the penthouse, but…no harm in checking.

Whipping around, I’m prepared to put the blade through the heart of whoever comes at me. Instead of an attack, my phone rings.

Someone is fucking with me, but why? And more importantly, how? I’m the one who puts people on edge.

Walking back inside, I close and lock the door before picking my phone up off the coffee table. I’m shocked to see Emily’s name, considering it’s one in the morning.

“Emily? Is everything okay?”

“Oh shit…I figured I’d just get voicemail. Did I wake you up? I’m so sorry. I’m such an inconsiderate jerk. Of course, you were asleep,” she says and then swears softly, making me smirk.

“No, I was awake. What’s going on?”

She sighs.

“I just want to apologize again for earlier. I know that you didn’t mean anything inappropriate by the dinner. You’re the most upstanding person, and I totally overreacted and feel like such a fool. All I keep picturing is the scene I made, and…can you forgive me?”

The corner of my mouth pulls up as I begin the search through my condo for my invisible intruder. The door is locked, and no one is in the bathroom.

“You have nothing to apologize for. You were right. I hadn’t thought about how asking you to eat with me may put you in an uncomfortable position.”

“Okay…phew. I’ve been pacing and worrying since I left your building. Again…sorry for calling so late.”

I chuckle.

“It’s fine, I’m currently looking for a ghost,” I say, pulling open the large pantry door to find nothing.

“I’m sorry, you’re what?”

I laugh.

“Nothing, just a little mystery I’m trying to solve. Get some rest and think nothing of it. I respect how ethical you are.”

“Thank you, Alden. Sleep well and good luck with your ghost, I guess.”

Hanging up, I stare at the screen with a smile on my face. It’s easy to picture Emily fretting and needing to reach out. Most of the people I’ve worked with over the years wouldn’t have thought twice about a business dinner, no matter how it may look. I find her…refreshing.

“Do I want to know why you’re out of bed and wandering around with a knife?”

I look up to find Camille standing in the living room, wearing nothing but my dress shirt.

“Did you open the sliding glass door?”

She looks at the door, then back to me.

“Don’t think so. Why?”

I sigh.

“No reason. You hungry?”

“For more of you I am,” she purrs.

It’s official, I’m really not meant to eat.

CHAPTER EIGHT