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We finish eating, help her into her coat, and walk her to the door. Putting my arms around her, I bend down and kiss her, and we start to heat up again.

Vivian finally pulls away. “I have to go, or I’ll be late. I’ll see you at noon.”

I peck her on the lips and slap her ass. “Have a good morning. See you at the closing.”

When I open the door, the bodyguard is waiting. “Morning, Royce.”

“Sir. Ma’am.”

“Good morning,” Vivian chirps.

She shouldn’t go.A bad feeling runs through me, and I don’t know why.

Stop being crazy. She has a bodyguard.

She’s walking out, and I pull her back into my arms and kiss her.

“I’m going to be late if you don’t let me go,” she protests.

“I’m never letting you go,” I murmur.

She puts her hand on my cheek. “See you at noon.”

I release her. If only I’d listened to my gut.

27

Vivian

My listing appointmentis two blocks from the title agency. The text my boss sent me says the owner is a Mary Jones. He’s also sent me comparables to other properties based on public records, and I review those in the car before I get there.

When we get into the lobby, before we go through security, I turn to my bodyguard, Royce. “Stay in the lobby.”

“Ma’am, that’s not safe. I have to advise against that.”

“I understand, but this is a secured building, and it isn’t going to look professional if I bring a bodyguard to my appointment. You need to stay here.”

He frowns. “But—”

I lift a hand. “This isn’t up for discussion. I’m not going to have my business affected by a crazy lady. I’m perfectly safe in this building. I’ll be done at eleven or sooner. Just wait.”

He puffs out a breath, not happy with me.

I point to the chairs in the lobby. “Go sit and wait.”

Reluctantly, he follows my orders. I check in with the security. They allow me through the gate, and I get into the elevator and push the button for the eleventh floor.

Apartment 1106 isn’t far from the elevator, and I find it easily. I knock on the door, and it opens almost immediately.

Oh shit.My mouth goes dry. My pulse increases.

I instantly regret telling Royce to stay in the lobby. Standing in front of me, staring with wild eyes, smiling, is Meredith. And she’s pointing a gun straight at my heart.

Frozen, I gape at her, with my insides shaking.

“Walk,” she sneers.

I take a step back. “Meredith—”