Page 90 of Anti-Hero

My steps slow as I watch Crew clap a hand on his son’s shoulder. Kit says something that makes Crew smile, and then they part ways. Kit heads into his office, and Crew turns in my direction.

Since I started working here, I’ve only attended one meeting where Kit’s father and uncle were present. I’d met them both before, in more casual and chaotic circumstances, but that didn’t make me feel any more comfortable. They’re both intimidating. The entire Kensington family is intimidating, honestly. Kit’s the most approachable one out of the untouchable group. Lili’s warm, but only once you get to know her. And Kit’s brother, Bash, is more serious and stoic than his siblings. At least he was two years ago, when I last saw him.

“Good afternoon,” Crew greets as he passes me.

“Good afternoon,” I echo, unable to tell if he recognizes me or is merely being polite.

Crew continues without another word, so I’m assuming the latter. Aside from our brief interactions at Lili’s graduation party and his in-laws’ patriotic bash two years ago, we haven’t spoken sinceMontgomery Hall. I’m unsurprised that he doesn’t recognize me.

I take a seat at my desk, dump half the mug’s contents on the fern, then decide to add the rest of the water. Unlock my phone and resume staring at Perry’s most recent text.

I’m still studying the screen when Kit’s door opens.

I glance toward the sound automatically, not expecting him to already be looking at me. When our eyes connect, there’s a silly cartwheel in my chest.

Please don’t let there be a dreamy look on my face, I pray.

“Hey,” he says, approaching my desk.

I clear my throat, wishing I’d stopped by the restroom on my way back to my desk. My ponytail probably isn’t that smooth still. “Hey. How’d the meeting go?”

Kit drums his fingers against the wood counter. “Good. Can you push the four p.m. call with Marshall to tomorrow?”

“Yeah, sure.” I scribble down a reminder on a blank Post-it. “Any time preference?”

“No. Whenever I’m free is fine.”

I nod. “Got it.”

I’m expecting him to head back into his office, but Kit doesn’t move. “You okay?”

I glance at my phone screen, then to the waterlogged fern. “I think my plant died.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.” Kit’s lips twitch as he glances at the wet brown leaves.

“You should look more concerned,” I inform him.

Another twitch. “Should I?”

“Yes. If I can’t keep a fern alive, how am I supposed to take care of a … kiwi?”

“You can’t compare ferns and kiwis. I’m not concerned.”

I scan his smooth expression, finding no trace of falsehood. Laugh self-consciously. “You’re a good liar.”

“Or I’ve never lied to you.” Kit holds my gaze for a few fraught seconds, then straightens and heads back into his office.

It would have been a lot faster for him to email me the meeting request.

I pick up my phone and finally text Perry back.

Collins:What about coffee on Saturday?

25

Collins:The doctor’s office just called. They want to do the ultrasound an hour earlier.

Kit:9? That’s fine.

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