Page 60 of Nothing to Fear

“Unfortunately for you, it’s Benedict Breckenridge’s name on my paychecks, not yours. Want me to back off? Take it up with the gaffer. Until then, I’ll be right here.”

Ferguson nodded at Darroch and sidestepped, spine to the hallway wall by the door.

“You can’t stand out here, that’s crazy. Come inside.”

“She’ll get used to it,” Darroch said, taking her shoulder to direct her inside.

No way he could—argument fled at the sight of her apartment. “Oh my God.”

Darroch closed the door behind them. “What?”

The place was spotless. A complete contrast to the insanity she’d come home to the previous night.

Just when she thought things couldn’t get any more incredible, the Breckenridges surprised her again.

Moisture warmed her eyes. “Shit,” she whispered.

“Is this about boyfriend number two? Jeremy the Germ? If some asshole is hassling you…”

Spinning around, she dropped her purse and keys. “The Breckenridges are the most incredible and generous people.”

Grabbing his face, she pulled him down to join their mouths. His surprise didn’t discourage her kiss. It couldn’t. Enveloped by the kindness of his family, right then, there was no other way to express her appreciation.

Though she pulled away, the heat of that union turned her lips into her mouth to relish every last remnant of him.

“That was pretty generous that right there, Cherry.” His hands slid from her waist to splay on her lower back as he stooped closer. “Dinner’s not supposed to be optional.”

“If you let me go, I’ll get dressed.”

“So if I keep holding on, you’ll get naked?”

She laughed. “Darroch!”

“Okay, okay,” he said like he was loathed to free her from his embrace. “If you want to get changed, I’ll call my mom and get the skinny.”

“Don’t call her. Please. It’s no big deal.” She hurried down the hallway to her bedroom beyond, calling to him. “Just a little drama last night.” She tied her hair high on her head and turned on the shower. “You don’t mind waiting a few minutes, do you? Do we have a reservation?”

“Take all the time you want, they won’t turn us away.” No, not a Breckenridge. “What wasn’t a big deal?”

“I’ll tell you in a minute!”

She showered almost as fast as she had that morning. As much as she didn’t want to keep him waiting, she wanted to be fresh more. Wrapped in a towel, she did her makeup while waiting for her hair styler to heat up.

“Time’s run out, Cherry,” his shout came from closer than before. “I’m calling my mom.”

Was he in her bedroom? Wait, what did he say?

Dashing to the doorway, she caught him right there by her bed, phone in hand. “Don’t!”

“Don’t? Call my mother?”

“I didn’t tell her we’re seeing each other tonight.”

Why hadn’t she told Alice? It wasn’t a secret, it just didn’t come up. She could’ve brought it up… no, she’d never have done that.

His hand dropped to his side. “You’ve got to help me out here, baby. You and my mom are best buds now?”

She swallowed and went closer, tucking her towel in tighter. “I swear I’m not a crazy stalker person. I didn’t track your family down to hound them or get closer to you. You probably don’t believe that. I know. I wouldn’t in your place.”

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