Page 85 of Exes Don't

Report in. What’s going on there?

I tap out a response.

Rose

Anton is here now. With Duke. Not sure what to make of that. You?

Bubbles pop up on my screen, and then another message follows.

Lennox

Interesting. Sit tight and wait and see what happens.

Rose

What if Anton sees me?

Lennox

Why would that be an issue?

Rose

Because I told him I had other plans tonight.

Lennox

Tell him your plans changed. Get creative. Don’t make a big deal out of a non-issue.

I grind my teeth. This is what irks me about my dad and this whole gig. My personal thoughts, feelings, and opinions are secondary to the job and the principal. Though, in this case, my personal thoughts, feelings, and opinions are directly tied to the principal, so I’ve really gone and made things extremely convoluted, haven’t I?

I sigh and toss my phone down on the table.

I get out my compact mirror and use it to look over my shoulder at Duke and Anton. They’re at ease with each other, laughing and talking. A waiter approaches, and I hold my breath, thinking maybe he’s some sort of courier for a missive or some type of secondary attacker. But nothing happens. The pair places drink orders, and a couple minutes later, the waiter returns with a large stout glass filled with amber liquid and sets it in front of Duke. Anton is drinking ice water.

I allow myself a smile. My guy is in season, and he’s too committed to his team and teammates and their performance to put something into his body on a Thursday night that could have any sort of negative effect on his game play this weekend.

I’m so lost in my thoughts of Anton that I don’t immediately register when he stands from the table. He says something to Duke, and then he turns in my direction.

I’m across the restaurant, so I have maybe fifteen seconds before he passes my table. I snap my compact shut, stowing it in my purse and reaching for my wine glass. If only it was one of those large goblet-style glasses. Maybe it would cover more of my face. As it is, I make a show of leaning over the drink and sniffing it. All I can do is pray that Anton doesn’t look this way.

I know the moment he skirts past my table. I don’t look in his direction, keeping my focus on my wine glass and pretending to read the book I’ve brought along. But I can smell him. I think I could recognize his woodsy scent in a crowded room, even if I didn’t know he was there.

He disappears into the restroom at the back of the restaurant, and I let out the breath I’m holding. I should get out of here while I have the chance. Screw the instructions from Lennox. But I waffle.

What if Duke is planning something tonight…here at the restaurant? What if Anton is in danger, and I’m so worried about saving face in my relationship with him that I fail to do my job and actually keep him safe?

I down the rest of my wine. I hate everything about this. My phone buzzes again, and I reluctantly grab it from my purse, expecting another message from my dad. Instead, my heart lifts and hammers.

Anton

How’s cookie baking? Missing you and wanted to check in. I promise I’m not clingy or desperate.

I smile so wide my cheeks hurt.

Rose

Too bad. I have a thing for clingy, desperate men…

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