Page 55 of Hard Wired

When she’d texted about seeing each other again, he’d seemed to be in favor. Yet he’d resisted all her attempts to set a firm date. She’d resorted to this surprise visit, thinking he wouldn’t refuse.

But to Sylvie’s disappointment, Maureen frowned. “That’s not necessary. Dominic said he’s not concerned about the security system anymore, and I suppose that’s his decision.”

“Could I talk to him about it? He might see things differently if I could explain…”

“I’m sorry, Sylvie. Dominic doesn’t want to see anyone right now. He made that clear to me. But I sure hope that you and I can visit another time?”

Before Sylvie could say anything else, Maureen had pushed the door closed. The lock snapped into place.

“That didn’t go well.” Tanner stuck his hands in his shorts pockets and rocked back on his heels.

“I know. I don’t need the commentary.” They had to assume the Syndicate was watching through the porch camera.

Shit. What was she supposed to do now? She’d assumed that Dominic would want to see her. In fact, she’d assumed he’d be eager.

She’d had this image of him pining for her, pulling her into his arms the minute they were alone. As if he’d been just as conflicted, longing to kiss her again, the way she’d been longing for him. Even though that fantasy also made her guilty as hell.

Now she felt like a dumbass. And she had no Plan B.

But they hadn’t texted last night. She’d assumed Dominic had something else to occupy him. Was he tired of her? Or was something wrong?

“Should we go get fish tacos instead?”

She leveled a glare at the bodyguard. But Tanner had a point. What else were they supposed to do? Maybe she could come back and try again later.

They started back toward Tanner’s truck. But then Crane’s front door opened, and Dominic himself stepped out onto the porch.

He wore his usual white T-shirt and jeans, his feet bare. His ankle monitor peeked out below the hem.

“Sylvie? What are you doing here?”

She turned around and walked back toward him, her chest getting tighter with every step. Even with all her planning and preparation, all her debates about whether she should do this or not, her heart still lifted at the sight of him.

Her story about the security system died on her tongue. “I missed you. I wanted to see you.”

He smiled, though the expression didn’t quite reach his eyes. She saw hesitation there, and something more she couldn’t decipher.

Could he be feeling some guilt of his own?

Dominic looked over at Tanner. “The bodyguard’s back?”

Tanner waved.

She shrugged one shoulder, her bag shifting. “After last time, I thought it wasn’t a bad idea.”

Dominic laughed, and this time his eyes lit up. “Around here, a bodyguard’s not a bad idea at all. Why don’t you both come in?”

They went into the kitchen, where Maureen was setting out a cheeseboard. “Glad Dominic changed his mind. I hated turning you away. Tanner, could I interest you in a snack?”

“You must be psychic, Ms. Maureen, because you just read my mind.” He pulled up a stool at the counter while the housekeeper blushed.

Sylvie felt Dominic’s fingers circle her wrist. He tugged her down the hall and toward the music room. They went inside, and he shut the door. Once they were alone, he let go of her and took a step back.

“I’ve missed you, too. But I wish you hadn’t come.”

“You said in your texts you wanted to see me.”

“I do. But the last time you were here, you could’ve been hurt.”

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