Page 21 of Click of Fate

Because now, I have to walk straight back into his life.

And worse? I have no idea what’s waiting for me on the other side of that door.

I make my way through the parking lot and head inside.

The scent of rubber and plastic hits my nose. It’s not a horrible combo, but it’s definitely unique—I suppose it makes sense. I notice it’s quieter than I expected it to be. But it’s the mid-day lull, which is why this time was selected.

I look around, hoping to find my contact, Maddie. But instead, my eyes land on Luke. He’s near a free-standing rock wall, adjusting a harness for a customer. Just as I register it’s him, his gaze lifts to mine. For half a second, visible surprise crosses his face, but then, like a switch, he schools his expression into something cool and unreadable.

I realize I’ve frozen in place, so I walk toward the check-in desk. He says a few words to the customer before striding my way.

That smug smirk I remember makes an appearance.

“Trouble. Didn’t expect to see you again.”

Flutters low in my belly spark to life from both the nickname and his voice. I forgot how sexy his voice is.

Ugh.Stupid, traitorous hormones.

I narrow my eyes. “You call all your customers Trouble, or am I special?”

He chuckles. “I only give nicknames to the ones who try to sneak out of my bed at sunrise."

Huffing out I laugh, I school my features. “That was three weeks ago, Luke. You’re supposed to be over it by now.”

“Who said I’m not?”

A beat of charged tension buzzes between us. I force myself to focus and set my camera bag on the desk.

“I’m here for a shoot. Not banter.”

Stepping back, he throws his hands up, faking innocence.

“I can be professional.”

And in that moment, I feel like he absolutely cannot.

“Is someone questioning your professionalism, Luke?” a woman asks, walking up behind the desk.

He snorts. She smiles widely at me after glancing at my camera bag.

“You must be Stella withHoosier Insider. I’m Maddie Carter. We spoke via email.” She shoves her hand forward in greeting,and I smile back as I shake her hand. “Do you two know each other?”

“Not well,” Luke mutters.

I ignore her last question and answer her first.

“I am. It’s just me today, though. Finn, the writer, was delayed at the airport this morning and will need to schedule a follow-up. I hope that’s okay,” I tell her, completely ignoring Luke.

“Totally fine. Have him reach out, and I’ll set up a time to talk,” she says.

She’s young. She’s also perky and happy. Lots of energy. I like her, and I hope I do this shoot with her and not the silent man leaning against the desk—the one studying me with a stupid, sexy smirk on his face.

“I need to get out my camera, but I want to walk around and get some shots of the place,” I tell her.

“Great. I’m going to have Luke walk with you. He can tell you everything you need to know about Squeaky Bum. I have a meeting I need to get to, so in case I don’t see you before you leave, you can email me any follow-up questions you might have. And if you ever want to climb, I know a guy.” She winks at me before looking at Luke. “Be professional boss,” she says, and with that, she flits away.

I watch her go, briefly wondering what kind of relationship she and Luke have.

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