One to Keep (One to Hold 2)

“Right,” I finally said. “Maybe one day we can relocate the entire office.”

His dark brows lifted slightly, and he shook his head. “I don’t know.”

I couldn’t resist. The anticipation of moving, of being so close to Elaine, had me wanting to brighten everyone’s day. “She’ll come around. Elaine says she still has feelings for you. It’s just a matter of time.”

His blue eyes snapped to me then. “Watch what you say to Elaine. I’m pretty sure Melissa doesn’t like being told what to do.”

That made me laugh. “No, she does not. Which should make you her perfect match.”

He stood and took a few bills from his pocket. “I don’t need good intentions backfiring.”

I followed suit, clearing out so the busboys could prep for the next round of customers. Outside, the breeze had picked up, and it was starting to look like rain. I wished Elaine and I were spending the weekend together, but she had a teaching workshop all day Saturday. And I figured I’d get started on the relocation process.

Derek was quiet as we approached our building. I still wasn’t satisfied with the answer he’d given me, why he was so changed. “So Melissa in Wilmington is the only reason you’re better?”

“I’ve been watching Sloan Reynolds,” he said. “Their divorce is going through, and his behavior is growing more erratic. It won’t be long before he steps out of line again, and I’m going to nail him.”

“And Melissa will forgive you.”

He exhaled heavily as the doors opened. “I hope it’ll show her how much she means to me” The hint of sadness was back.

“How do you know that guy again?” We waited for the elevators and he looked down.

“When I taught at Princeton, they had this volunteer program. He showed me the ropes—where everything was. They called it mentoring, but it was really just an orientation.”

“So you weren’t friends?” We were outside the office, and I felt like I understood their connection better.

“I don’t know,” he continued. “We went for drinks a few times. I told him about my business, offered to do a free analysis of his family’s networks.”

“Yeah, but that’s just run-of-the mill marketing.”

He nodded. “When he emailed me… I would never have thought to investigate him before agreeing to track Melissa.” It sounded like an argument he’d told himself before. “He was worried his wife was having an affair. It seemed so cut and dried.”

I patted him on the back as we entered the glass doors. “It’s going to work out,” I said. “Let me know if I can help. I’ll do whatever I can.”

“Thanks.”

* * *

My phone was vibrating as I walked up to my apartment. Seeing Elaine’s name on the face made me smile.

Where are you? her text said.

Just getting home, I typed back. Wish you were here.

The air had grown thicker since lunch, and I could taste the pending rain. Damn. Nothing would be sweeter than spending a long, stormy weekend wrapped in Elaine’s arms. Another buzz. I paused when I saw Kenny’s name flashing on the screen, and at the same time I remembered Elaine still thought Kenny was a guy. I needed to clear that up next time we were together.

Hello—you alive? Hot weekend plans? I couldn’t help a smile. I’d give her a call later and catch her up. Way too much had happened for texting.

Solo weekend, I wrote back. Lots to do and tell you.

Ditto, she replied.

I was just lowering the phone when two cool hands covered my eyes. “Whoa!” I reached up to catch them, but the owner jumped around in front of me in a glint of green and golden blonde.

Elaine’s arms were around my neck and her mouth pressed to mine before I could say another word. Warmth flooded my chest, and I quickly shoved the phone in my back pocket and pulled her to me, pressing her back against the door as our mouths opened, tongues entwining.

“What are you doing here?” I breathed, breaking our kiss just long enough to unlock my apartment.