Page 142 of Surprisingly Us

“Sometimes we take ourselves too seriously,” he lets out a jovial laugh. “Especially in arenas like board rooms, where everyone is trying to put on a front to make everyone else think they’re important. If you want to be humbled, be a parent.”

Our conversation reminds me of babysitting with Lettie, which gives my brain a clear pathway to thinking about what we did last night on the phone. I’ve been thinking about it all day.

I had no intention of texting her when I got home, but I was so keyed up from kissing her that my fingers went rogue. And the way Lettie responded? So fucking hot.

Once I called her, it was clear she was far more comfortable texting, but I knew I had to hear her voice. To tell her exactlywhat I wanted to do to her and soak in the sounds of her breathy moan when she came on her own fingers.

My phone buzzes on the table and I reach for it.

“Sorry,” I glance at Sandeep to gauge his reaction, “I thought I put it on silent.”

He responds with a casual wave. “It’s fine.”

When I see the screen, Lettie’s name is there.

“I apologize, but I have to take this.”

I stand so I can take the call somewhere private, but slide to answer as I’m walking.

“Hey, Princess.”

There’s silence, then a sniff before I hear her. “I—I need you.”

“Lettie? What’s going on?” I ask. When I’m met with silence, I glance at the screen to see the call has already ended.

I call her back, but she doesn’t pick up. I try again. Still, no answer.

Rushing back to the table to grab my suit jacket, I call her again.

It rings and rings.

“I’m sorry, but I’ve got to go,” I say, pushing my arms into the sleeves of my jacket.

“Is everything okay?” he asks, the skin between his brows creasing with concern.

“I’m not sure. It’s Lettie. She sounded upset, then the call ended but now she’s not picking up and I’m worried.” My words are leaving my mouth so quickly, I’m tripping over them.

“I’ve got this.” He motions to the table. “Just go.”

“Thank you.” I run for the exit, nearly crashing into a waiter. “Sorry,” I mumble, half out of my mind wondering if Lettie’s okay.

Thankfully, Wanda is nearby and in less than thirty seconds, I’m on my way to Lettie’s apartment.

“Wanda, I give you permission to break any traffic laws you need to get me there as fast as you can. I’ll pay for it. I don’t care how many tickets you get, I’ll make it right, I’ll expunge your record, just please hurry.”

“Mr. Spencer, I will do my best, but if we detour to the hospital, that’s going to slow us down.”

“I know. You’re right. Drive safe, but fast.”

“Is everything okay with Miss Davenport?” she asks.

“I don’t know.” I rub my fingertips against my chin. “I don’t know.”

Seven minutes later I have my answer.

I find Lettie curled up in a blanket on the floor in her living room. Maxine is lying next to her and at my arrival, stretches her front paws out toward me.

Lettie didn’t answer when I buzzed at the door, so I tried Mrs. Donahue and she let me in. Lettie’s apartment door was unlocked, which I hate for security reasons, but right now when I needed to get to her, it was helpful.

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