Page 90 of A Minute More

And just like it was half a year ago, those eyes are pulled to mine and his mouth drops open.

We just stare at each other, time seeming to stand still as we take each other in. He looks even more handsome than I remember, with slightly longer hair and scruff on his jaw. He’s wearing a flannel coat and ripped jeans, and I swear I can feel my entire body tingle with desire.

Suddenly his lips twitch, and they pull up into a smile.

“Hey,” he says softly, and I let out a small whimper, not sure what to do. Do I move forward or stay where I am? I don’t know what the fuck to do. Thankfully, he makes the choice for me, stepping into my space and laying a hand on my shoulder. I can feel his touch through my shirt. It sears me, burns and etches its way into my skin.

“Hi.”

We stare at each other a little longer, and I open my mouth to ask him why he’s here when a woman appears at his side, looking far too friendly.

Oh my god.

He’s here with someone else.

I stare at her with her long blonde hair and her perfect makeup. She’s dressed professionally but the way she looks at him…why is she looking at him like that?

“Oh, um…Simon, this is Sylvie,” he says as he drops his hand from me.

I don’t even answer, just stand there wordlessly for far too long.

“Why are you here?” I croak out, and Wesley’s lips droop slightly.

“I…um…” He rubs at the back of his neck, looking bashful, and I can’t fucking take it. It’s bad news. It’s really fucking bad. He can’t even break it to me. So, I don’t even hesitate, just turn to my table and grab my things, rushing out into the cool air so I can breathe.

If he opens his mouth and tells me that he’s moved here to be with someone else, I won’t survive it.

“Wait!” Wesley says, and I pick up my pace. This isn’t the first time he’s chased me, but it is the first time I wish he wouldn’t catch me. “Simon! Stop!”

His hand reaches out and grabs on to my arm, forcing me to slow down.

“I don’t want…” I hear my voice break. “I don’t want to hear it.”

“Shit, hear what?” Wesley asks, looking confused and angry at the same time. “I haven’t seen or heard from you in six months and now when I do, you run!”

“I can’t…”

“Why the fuck did you run?” he asks, his hand tightening on me.

“I don’t want to meet her. I don’t want to know you’ve moved on!”

Wesley’s grip loosens and he shakes his head. “Jesus, Simon. I didn’t move on. She’s my boss.”

I feel my shoulders crumble, and I sag under the weight of relief. God, I overreacted. Acted like an asshole. But at the time it was self-preservation.

“Your boss?”

He looks bashful again and rubs at his neck. “Yeah…I…I work across the street.”

“You work…” my words trail off. I can’t comprehend it. “You live here?”

“I do. I moved here.”

My mouth opens and then closes, not sure what to say. “Why?”

He shrugs and shoves his hands in his pockets. “Gotta have some secrets. Learned from the best.”

But the way he’s eyeing me, I have a feeling I know.

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