Page 84 of Push

I refused to acknowledge her.

Her footsteps jogged alongside me. “Isn’t this place great? I was just out for a run. Small world, huh?”

My words came out through gritted teeth. “Too small.” I tried to dodge her, but her designer sneakers filled the ground in front of my eyes. Blocked in, I glanced up, my eyes narrowing when she beamed a smile with lips painted almost as pink as her outfit. “Keep running, Kayleigh.”

“Not until you say ‘Cheese!’”

“Huh?”

Her arm slithered around my waist. I was attempting to shove her off me when she stuck her phone in my face. A flash of light. My hand darted out, but Kayleigh laughed, twirling out of my reach.

“Delete that photo,” I demanded.

She ignored my sharp words, her eyes glued to the screen. “We’re too cute together!” Squealing, she bounced on the spot and flipped her phone to show me the selfie she’d snapped. “I can’t wait to share this.”

“Delete it!”

“Sure.” She giggled. “In exchange for another kiss.” She leaned over and puckered her lips.

“Kayleigh, this isn’t a game.”

“Are you sure?”

I dragged a restless hand through my hair. “Christ, what the hell do you want from me?” This was a nightmare.

“I told you. One more kiss.” She bit her lip as her eyes dipped below my waist. “Anywhereyou want.”

No.Hellno.

My index finger pointed too close to Kayleigh’s face. “Stay the hell away from me.” I unlocked the car and yanked open the door. “I have nothing to say to you.”

As I hopped in, I heard her laugh.

And as I slammed the door shut, I heard her say, “You will.”

27

She Went to Work

Gwen

Day one. My assistantwas terrified of me.

Maybe Cassidy’s sleek auburn bun was cinched too tight. Maybe it was the skin-tight pencil skirt she wore. The woman scurried around the office like a nervous mouse dodging the swipe of a hungry cat.

I peeked over my computer monitors.

Cassidy hovered in front of the filing cabinet. A stack of manila folders was dumped on top. She took a folder off the pile, flicked through the empty slots in the drawer, and just as she was about to tuck the folder inside, she slid a glance to the side.

Our eyes met.

Cassidy snapped to attention, smoothing down her skirt. “Ms. Sullivan.” Her smile shook at the edges, nervous, as if she silently prayed I wouldn’t rip her to shreds. “Can I fetch you another coffee?”

I lifted an eyebrow. It was the sixth time she’d offered in the last hour. I was one sip away fromneverleaving the bathroom.

“Thank you, but I’m fine for now.” I jiggled my cup so she could hear the cold coffee sloshing inside. “I’m still going with this one.”

Cassidy nodded but stood there, staring at me, her left eye twitching. In response, I tilted my head. What was she waiting for? Orders?

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