Rush

I found nothing connected to that.

All that I did find were pictures of the man I spent the night with and an array of stellar reviews for his work in the app market and stories about his philanthropy.

The list of charities that he’s donated money to is staggering.

The combined amount is astronomical, yet he never took direct credit for any of it.

Each contribution to a worthy cause was in the name of a foundation he’d set up through Cabbott Mobile.

He’s a good person who suffered through something so devastating that it drove him across a continent with only the clothes on his back.

“Emma?”

I turn at the sound of Maya’s voice.

As always, she looks every inch the professional in a tailored blue pencil skirt and white blouse.

“Hey.” I push to stand. “How are you?”

Her face brightens. “I’m doing well.”

I shift from one sandal to another. I want to go up to the apartment, but I can’t be rude.

“I’m meeting my sister and Case for an early dinner.” Her gaze drops to the watch on her wrist. “Or late lunch.”

I steal a glance at it. It reads five minutes after seven. That’s two hours from now.

As if she can read my mind, she lets out a giggle. “I buy vintage watches because I love the style. They are notoriously bad at keeping me on time.”

“Being on time is overrated.” I lean closer. “I would never tell my students back home that.”

“It’ll be our secret.” She tugs the strap of her navy blue tote up her forearm. “Why don’t you join us for dinner? I’m sure Tilly, my sister, would love to meet you.”

The offer is tempting, but I want to take some time to pamper myself before Case comes home. “I’ll pass this time, but thank you for thinking of me.”

“I’m not the only one thinking of you.” Her hand lands on mine. “It’s been a very long time since I’ve seen Case smile. You have everything to do with that.”

I dip my chin to hide the wide grin on my face. “He makes me smile too.”

“I promise we won’t keep him out too late.” She looks toward the lobby doors. “His time in New York is limited, so I want him to spend a few hours with Tilly and me before he goes home. It’s not often we get to reminisce. We never know when we’ll see him again.”

A pit settles in my stomach as I watch her walk away.

She has something I’ll never have.

Hope.

Once Case leaves for California, Maya knows she’ll see him again one day.

I can’t say the same for me.

Chapter 47

Case

It took every ounce of restraint within me to sit through a meal with Maya and Tilly. All the two of them wanted to do was play catch up. I wanted out of there.

Three hours later and I’m finally done.

I stand at the door to my apartment with my key in hand.

Earlier this afternoon, I stopped by to drop off a box of condoms. I was sure to be in and out before Maya arrived so I could avoid the inevitable questions about my relationship with Emma.

Maya shot a few questions at me over dinner, but I expertly avoided them by changing the subject. Once I mentioned that Drake is moving to London, Maya picked up the conversation detailing how she hopes to surprise her husband with a trip there next year.

By the time dessert was placed in front of us, I was itching to call it a night and get back here.

An unexpected phone call from my assistant in California gave me an excuse to leave. I paid the check, kissed both women on their cheeks, and took off.

I step into the apartment and stop when I hear Emma’s voice.

Shit.

I know she’s made friends in the city, but I don’t want them here tonight.

It takes me a second to realize that the pause in the conversation is filled with silence. She’s on the phone.

Judging by the volume of her voice, I place her in the guestroom with the door ajar.

It’s not my place to wonder who she’s talking to, but Beauregard comes to mind. If she’s willing to give the chaste fool another chance when she heads back to Seattle, that’s her choice.

I tell myself that even though my gut is knotting from the thought of another man kissing her. I can’t picture another man fucking her without wanting to slam my fist through the wall, so I don’t go there.

She’s mine right now.

It’s temporary, but I’m going to enjoy every second of it.

“I’m grateful that you took the time to call me, Archibald,” she says evenly. “I’ll give your offer some thought.”

I take a step toward the hallway but stop when she continues. “No, I haven’t talked to Beauregard. I’m sorry to hear that, but…”

Her voice trails.