“Is there something I can do? Some way I can help?”

“We both get off at four. You should come by the aquarium.”

“But I just saw her yesterday, and she said she needed time.”

“Lainey’s already had lots of time. More than a year. She’s scared. If you’re really serious about wanting her to give you a second chance, you should be here. She’s leading a private tour until three forty-five. Shoot, gotta go.” She hangs up before I can thank her.

I need to get my ass in gear and figure out how to make Lainey see I’m serious—and that I’m more than just lies and empty promises.

I stop at home, shower again, and change into black dress pants and a button-down. I don’t know why I feel the compulsion to dress like I’m ready for a date, but on the off chance Lainey’s interested in more than telling me to fuck off, I want to be adequately prepared.

I arrive at the aquarium at three thirty, just to be safe, and approach the front desk. A familiar-looking woman with brown hair, glasses, and a whole lot of curves gives me a once-over and a raised eyebrow. “No flowers this time?”

“Dammit.” I can’t believe I forgot to stop on the way over. “Is there a place close by where I can pick some up real quick?”

She holds up a hand. “Lainey left the last bouquet here because she doesn’t have room in her apartment for more, so I think you’re good on the flowers.”

“What about chocolate or something?”

“She left the last box of chocolates here too. And while we all appreciate it, because they were delicious, I’m trying not to gain ten pounds before the holidays this year, so you can put a hold on the chocolate and flowers for a little while. Maybe for a week.” She extends her hand. “I’m Eden.”

I wipe my palm on my pants before I shake her hand. “Rook Bowman—I mean, RJ.”

“Oh, I know who you are.” She props an elbow on the counter and motions to a bench close to one of the many fish tanks. “Might as well take a seat—you’ve got a few minutes before she’s done. You get bonus points for being early, though.” She pushes her glasses up her nose and turns to the screen in front of her, dismissing me.

“Okay, thanks.”

I manage to stay seated for about five minutes before I get antsy and start to pace. I end up standing in front of the dolphin exhibit while I wait for Lainey. Today the boy dolphin seems to be on his best behavior.

Eventually Lainey and a small group of very scholarly-looking people enter the lobby. Most of them disperse, but one guy stays behind to talk to her. I can tell by the way he keeps jamming his hand into his pocket and then rubbing the back of his neck that he’s interested in her. Which isn’t much of a surprise. Lainey’s gorgeous, even in her drab beige uniform.

As if she can sense my presence, her gaze shifts to me. The guy she’s talking to is in the middle of a sentence when she walks away from him, heading straight for me. I’d like to say getting her attention is a good thing, but based on her expression she’s not all that happy to see me.

“Why are you here?” she snaps.

I jam my hands into my pockets, just like the guy she blew off. “I wanted to see how you’re doing after yesterday.”

She blinks a few times, maybe a little shocked, and wrings her hands. “I’m fine.”

“You don’t seem fine. You seem upset.” The circles that I noticed under her eyes yesterday are even more pronounced, like my appearance in her life has caused her to lose sleep. I don’t like that idea, but I guess I can understand. I haven’t been sleeping all that great either.

“I didn’t expect you to show up here after yesterday.” She tugs at the end of her braid.

“Can I take you for coffee—or hot chocolate?”

“I can’t, I have to . . . I-I have an obligation,” she stammers; the hand-wringing ratchets up a notch.

Eden appears out of nowhere, laden down with jackets and purses. “Actually, I can handle your obligation for you.”

Lainey gives her a meaningful look. “You really don’t need to do that.”

“It’s no big deal. I can totally handle it.” She hands Lainey her purse.

“I’d like to at least change first and check on . . . things.”

“You look beautiful just the way you are, but if you want, I can drive you home. We could even pick up coffee and go to your place if that’s easier for you.”

“No!” she shouts and then lowers her voice. “I mean—I need to clean. And I live just across the street. There’s a coffee shop next door. I can meet you there in twenty minutes.”

“Okay, sure.” I assume she’s being all sketchy because she doesn’t want to run into the guy she’s dating in her building. A coffee shop isn’t ideal, especially since I don’t have a ball cap to hide under, but I’ll take whatever I can get here.

CHAPTER 16

HEY, BABY

Lainey

I am going to kill Eden. Okay, that’s untrue. I can barely manage killing a spider, but I’m going to be very annoyed with her for at least the rest of today. I take several deep breaths as the elevator counts down the floors to the lobby.

I would really like to be less anxious right now. My palms are insanely sweaty. Actually, a lot of parts of me are sweaty. I check my reflection in the surrounding mirrors, making sure the concealer I dabbed under my eyes is blended in properly. This morning I got into the elevator and realized it was still smeared in a line—like those black lines football players have, except it was flesh colored.

The elevator doors slide open, and I step into the lobby, murmuring hello to people getting on. And, of course, one of them happens to be Walter. Instead of getting on the elevator, he lets everyone else pile in and pulls me into a hug.

Through the window across the lobby I can see RJ, hands jammed into his pockets, watching the exchange with narrowed eyes. I release Walter first and take a step back, which makes him take a step forward. He’s weird about personal space.

“You look nice—are you going somewhere?” Walter fingers the end of my braid, which also puts his hand close to my boob.

I glance toward the window again. RJ’s face is practically pressed up against it, and if he had superpowers, I would bet that laser beams would be shooting out of his eyes right now and Walter would be minus a hand.

“Just coffee with a friend.”

“Lucky friend.” He gives me an exaggerated wink. “Will you be around later? Maybe I could come by and we could watch an episode of Jeopardy! together.”

“Oh, um, can I take a rain check? I’m not sure how long I’ll be out, and I haven’t been sleeping all that well the last few nights.”

His smile drops. “Sure, of course. You can call if you change your mind. I have a bag of sweet-and-salty popcorn and some of that special mint hot chocolate you’re always drinking.”

“That sounds nice.” I push the elevator button for him. “I’ll call you later.”

“Sounds great.” He leans in and kisses me on the cheek before I can run away.

Thankfully, the elevator dings.

RJ is waiting outside the front doors for me. I glance over my shoulder, relieved to see that Walter is already in the elevator. He lifts his hand in a parting wave at the same time as RJ pulls me in for a brief hug. Walter’s smile slides off his face like an egg off a nonstick pan as he disappears behind the elevator doors.