“Thank you,” I say, even as I wonder if Kristen saw a photo of Dominic at the event too. There were a couple. And he looked fantastic, heart-rending…like a beautiful dream that can never be.
Maybe I should talk about the breakup, just to make sure Kristen isn’t talking to me without knowing all the acrimony…but I can’t bring myself to ruin the warm rapport.
Kristen chats some more. I listen, proud of the girl for forging ahead and creating her own path…much like Dominic.
My phone beeps. It’s a reminder about a meeting at a clinic I’m helping raise funds for.
“I have to go,” I say. “It was nice catching up with you, Kristen.”
“It was great talking with you too, Liza.”
I dump my cup, which is still mostly full, and walk out to my car.
Kristen waves, and I wave back. As I’m getting in, my phone pings again. I take it out, wondering if I forgot to hit dismiss on the appointment reminder—
One look at the screen and my throat tightens. A shiver runs down my spine even as anger burns in my gut. I look around.
Tourists and locals walking down the streets. A few parked cars, but no one inside. A woman getting her toddler out of his car seat. A guy who looks like a paparazzo, but he isn’t even glancing at me.
Nothing stands out as suspicious. I swing my gaze in Kristen’s direction. No weirdos following her as she makes her way across the pavement.
This isn’t about Kristen. It’s about you.
And whoever it is…he wants me to know he’s watching.
Pulling into the traffic—and keeping an eye out for any car that tries to follow—I call Tolyan.
Chapter Twenty-One
Dominic
I review a few proposals to make sure they’re airtight, my bare feet propped on the coffee table in my living room. Normally I have no problem focusing on work in the evening, even after putting in a lot of hours earlier in the day. But not right now. My concentration lags, my mind continuously drifting to Elizabeth.
Something about her demeanor during the dinner was off…and the way she spoke to Marcella really bugs the hell out of me. But I can’t put my finger on it. Not even a couple good nights’ sleep has helped me figure it out.
What I’m feeling for Elizabeth isn’t just simple lust or anger. Those I can deal with. It’s something far subtler…but equally significant.
It’s like—
A loud ringing from the door is a welcome distraction and brings a smile to my lips.
Kristen.
&nbs
p; Her bags were delivered earlier, although she went off to explore the city. Claimed she needed to reacquaint herself with L.A. You’d think she’d be tired after a flight from Paris, but the girl has limitless energy. Sure enough, the second I open the door, she hops inside and wraps her arms around me, her embrace tight and strong. I hug her back.
“So good to have you home,” I say.
“So good to be back.” She grins. “It’s been months.”
“Seven.”
Despite the long flight, she looks fresh—which is good, as that’s what first class promises.
She waltzes right in. The auto-lock engages as the door closes, and I follow her.
“Wow,” she says, craning her neck.