“You weren’t gone long.” He rested the tablet next to him.
“I’m going to help Greer put everything away. Preston will be here at five for dinner. He volunteered to bring beer and wine.”
“Am I going to like this guy?”
“Probably not.” I smiled. “But he’s never here, so it’s not like you two have to be best friends.”
“Good to know.”
The sun had started to warm the rooftop.
Vaughn’s phone buzzed next to him. He picked it up. “Hello?”
I waited while he took the call. It sounded like work. I could tell the instant quiet and clipped way his words changed.
He hung up and looked at me.
“Everything ok?” I asked.
“I have to fly out tonight.”
“What?”
He put his bare feet on the stone floor. “My meeting was moved.”
“Out of town?” I questioned.
“Yes. I’m sorry. I don’t know when I’ll be back.”
He rose from the chaise.
“Where are you going?”
“I’m getting the itinerary in my email.”
He moved toward the glass door. “Wait, Vaughn. You’re just leaving?”
He faced me. His eyes looked darker than I had ever seen them. “I have to pack. I have to get my passport.”
“I thought you didn’t know where you’re going.”
“I always take my passport when I fly.”
“Oh.” My stomach twisted in knots. I didn’t want him to leave. I didn’t like his mood.
“Come on.” He reached for my hand. “I need to take a shower before I leave.”
I looked through the door. Greer was busy opening cabinets and arranging the food in the refrigerator.
Our fingers entwined with instant heat. He led me through the apartment. Neither one of us said anything to my roommate as we passed through the living room. She didn’t seem to notice. Vaughn locked the door and backed me into the bathroom. He turned on the shower.
“I don’t know when I’ll be back.” He brushed my hair from my shoulder.
“I don’t think I like that idea,” I whispered. My throat clamped with pain as if I could cry.
17
Vaughn’s eyes darted back and forth. “Emily…”