Page 29 of Stolen Sun

Checking my phone one more time as I crawl into bed, I’m tempted to send Declan a text. I’m not very experienced when it comes to dating. Period. Add the fact that I have zero experience with it as an actual adult, and I’m more than unsure. But if there's anything I've learned from being married, it's that your true self comes out at some point anyway. Besides, I'm an adult who is capable of sending a text simply because I want to.

Hope you had a good day. See you tomorrow.

Holding my breath, I wait for his response. And within seconds, I have it.

Always worth the wait, sunshine. Sleep well.

Chapter nine

Declan

Hyde fucking Pharmaceuticals. In black and white. Officially under contract.Fuck yeah!

Before we left the charity dinner Saturday night, I had Hyde in a verbal agreement. Now, here the contract sits on my desk before lunch on Friday. Done.

I pick up my cell and tap the contact I need.

“Hey, Dec,” she answers before the end of the second ring.

“I hope I didn’t catch you at a bad time,” I say in greeting, letting her know I need a few minutes of her time.

“A bad time is the best time for an interruption from you. I can be free after 5:00. How does that sound?” She draws out the last part seductively.

Ignoring her offer to fuck later, I tell her, “I’m in the market for commercial property in Tennessee and Georgia.”

She clicks her tongue at me. “Straight to business, huh? You sure know how to break a girl’s heart.”

I scoff at that. “Jess, we both know you don’t have one of those, and we agreed to pursue other interests. Can you find some acreage for me or not?”

“Ugh! Yes, I’ll send you a list in the morning,” she groans.

“Thanks.”

“You can’t avoid me forever, Dec,” she triesagain.

I hang up, not wanting to get into it with her.

Jessica has been a placeholder for a while now. As soon as my plans for Noel could be set in motion, I lost all interest in other women. I was gentleman enough to let Jessica end things, but it seems she has changed her mind.Sorry, sweetheart.I’ve already been fucking a petite brunette in my head on repeat since I walked into her office two weeks ago, which reminds me…

I type out a text to the siren who now lives in my head.

I'll pick you up at 6:00. Send me your address.

After a minute, my phone vibrates on my desk with a response from Noel.

617 Rosewood Drive, see you soon!

Everything else can wait until Monday as far as I’m concerned. My payroll is heavy enough that I should be able to leave early every once in a while, and today is that day. I shut down my computer, lock my desk, and get out of my office.

“Ms. Morris, I’m leaving for the day, and my father will be with Isaiah Canton until later next week. Chance is going to finish out the day here.”

“Enjoy your weekend, Mr. Adams.”

“See you Monday,” I say over my shoulder as I walk out the door.

Deciding to surprise littlemiss sunshine, I park in the street in front of Noel’s house about a half hour early. It’s exactly the type of house I’d expect the owner of an investment firm to live in—bright colors, cookie-cutter neighbors, and perfectly symmetrical landscaping. Not the type of house Noel would’ve chosen, but we’ll work on that.

I didn't actually need her address. I’ve kept tabs on her over the years. The only reason she ever got so far out of my reach was the machinations of her father. Conner Anderson knew exactly what would keep me from making a move. If I put myself in her life in any way, he would have my father killed. Conner was sure to hire the one fucker who hated me enough not to be bribed, and he was on standby just waiting for the opportunity.

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