Page 16 of Darkness Tempt Me
“Look, sir,” Billy snaps, before I can even get a word out. Typically, I’m quick with a smart-ass reply, but I’m still anxious about returning to this café so soon after my public panic attack. “You need to wait your turn. Peyton hasn’t been here long, and he has every right to browse the menu.”
My heart races when the man gives Billy a nasty sneer. Was this the guy giving me that creepy feeling? The man in the business suit steps closer, and I jump into the conversation before either man can say anything else. “Thank you, Billy. But can I just get that herbal tea you got me last time? That citrusy one?”
Billy grits his teeth, as if he’s about to say something to the man behind me before changing his mind. “Sure,” he replies, facial features softening when his gaze refocuses on me. “I knew you’d like that one. Would you like anything else, Pey?”
My head jerks up at the nickname, but Billy doesn’t seem to notice. Mavik and Iris are the only ones who have ever called mePey, and I must admit, I’d like to keep it that way. “Peyton,” I correct, before I can stop myself. “Please just call me Peyton.”
Billy purses his lips into a tight line. “Of course.”
“Can you also get an Americano for Mavik?”
Billy doesn’t say anything else, just gives me his back. Since my tea is easy, he fills up a large to-go cup with hot water, drops in two tea bags, and pops the lid into place before handing it to me. As soon as I’m done paying, I make my way to an empty table as I wait for Mavik’s order.
Pulling out my phone, I tap on my brother’s name and hit call. Just like every other time I’ve tried calling him recently, it continues to ring. And ring. When it goes straight to voicemail, my heart sinks, and I end the call without leaving a voice message. There’s still plenty of time before I have to be at work, so when a crowd starts to form in the café and Billy is the only person stuck at the front, I don’t mind waiting a little longer. I work on my deep breaths while peering around. While sipping my tea, I recognize items I mentioned to Mavik while he was helping me through my attack.
A deep voice rumbles behind me. “I’m sorry about earlier.” The rude man in the suit pulls out a chair and sits across from me as if he belongs there.
An uneasy feeling settles over me, and I straighten in my seat. The earthy orange scent of my tea wraps around me like a protective shield. I grip the large paper cup with both hands, stealing from its warmth. I bring the tea up to my face and inhale, ignoring Mr. Asshole’s lame attempt at an apology.
He laughs, nudging me with his foot under the table. “All right, I guess I deserve the cold shoulder, but really, I’m sorry for all that back there.” He waves toward the counter at Billy.
I roll my eyes and place my cup back on the table in front of me. “Didn’t you say you were in a hurry?” Out of the corner of my eye, I can see Billy studying us, and I appreciate a friendly face looking out for me.
Mr. Asshole grins. “For you? I’m willing to slow things down.” His gaze travels up and down my body, making me feel exposed, and my stomach twists.
What the hell? Now the rude guy is flirting with me? I slide my leg out of reach and pull my peacoat tighter around my body.
“Aw, don’t be like that. I’m trying to make things right. Plus, you look awfully familiar. Have we met before?” When I don’t reply, the guy continues talking. “My name’s Drake.”
Something about his name causes alarm bells to go off. He really does seem familiar, and he’s also under the impression we met before, but I can’t put my finger on it. Mr. Asshole Drake really is handsome in his black suit and chiseled jaw. His light brown eyes bore into mine, and I can’t quite tell if the jerk is trying to intimidate me or if he’s trying to make it obvious he’s checking me out. Either way, I don’t like it.
I try not to let it show that the guy freaks me out. Maybe if I hadn’t had a panic attack last time I was here, or maybe if the man hadn’t shown me his true colors in line, I would have flirted back. Maybe gave him the time of day, but not now. Not with this icky feeling swirling in my chest.
Billy calls my name. I glance up, and he holds up Mavik’s Americano before setting it down on the counter.
Gracefully, I stand in one motion, channeling Mavik’s domineering CEO confidence as I button up my peacoat. Making a show of my slow movements, I deliberately ignore the creeper. Once I’m settled with my paper cup in hand, I allow my eyes to meet Drake’s gaze. “I hope you have a good day, Drake. But the next time you decide to flirt with someone, I recommend notbeing an asshole beforehand.” With those parting words, I walk over to the counter and grab Mavik’s Americano.
Blackwood Investments is only about a block away when that creepy sensation of being watched returns. Out of the corner of my eye, I can see someone following me. Matching my quick pace. The last time I felt this unsettled was when my ex was in my life. Looking back, I don’t notice anything unusual. Morning commuters weave around each other on the busy street, going about their usual routines.
Taking a deep breath, I shake my head and continue walking. I try to ignore the glimpses of a man in a navy suit constantly behind me. But the flash of color causes my breath to catch painfully in my chest.
It’s a huge relief when I finally make it into the building and rush toward the opening elevator doors. “Hold the doors for me, please!” I call out to someone inside.
I’m practically running now, fear pushing me forward. Missing the elevator could mean riding the next one with my potential stalker. Would I finally be able to identify the source of this unsettling chill in my blood? Maybe put a face to this constant state of paranoia. What if it’s my ex? Would I be willing to drop everything I’ve built here in New Vernon? Would I be willing to run, again?
At the last second, a hand catches the door in time, and I’m able to frantically make my way into the crowded metal box. A group of people follows me inside, causing us to shuffle around and make room. By the time I spin back around, I see a man in a navy suit walk in shortly after me.
A lump forms in my throat. Drake walks onto the elevator, eerie blue eyes almost sparkling. What the fuck is he doing here?
My mind scrambles for answers as I try to piece together everything I’m seeing. Does he even work in this building? Is he the man following me? I knew he looked familiar, but have I actually seen him in this building before? I don’t think so. My heart races as I study the back of his head and his curly brown hair.
As if sensing my stare, he looks back at me, a small smirk on his face, before he faces forward again. I press myself against the far wall, hoping to hide within the crowd. I pull out my phone and send a text to Mavik. Something about texting him my location makes me feel better.
Fuck. I sound crazy, but wouldn’t it be better if he knew where I was, and if, for some reason, I didn’t show up, maybe he’d come looking for me?
Peyton: I’m in the elevator, sir. I’ll be in your office in a minute.
I swear the message symbol takes forever to indicate it’s sent.Fucking metal box blocking my signal.Relief feels me when I see Mavik’s reply.
