Tori stared blindly out at the water. The blood in her veins thundered with a mix of adrenaline, fury, and despair. Her hands that gripped the railing trembled.
In ten minutes, that awful excuse for a human had shattered her world.
Tears burned behind her eyes, but she refused to let them fall.
Ryan had her back against a wall.
What the hell choice did she even have?
*
Where was she?
James checked his phone again, hoping this time would be different. That there’d be a text or missed call from Tori.
But there was nothing except the text he’d sent her two hours ago. Which he suspected she’d seen, but left unread.
Damn. They were supposed to have been on the ferry to Whidbey Island by now.
They’d driven separately to the office today, which was becoming rarer, but she’d needed to go in early to do some shopping for the ice cream social.
The plan had been to meet at his place by seven, and now it was going on nine. He’d even driven by her apartment an hour ago, just in case he’d mixed it up, and they were supposed to meet there.
He went to look out the apartment window. It was a long shot to hope she’d be wandering the streets below or down a couple of blocks at Green Lake.
No sight of her.
His gut twisted with unease. Something wasn’t right.
Not quite sure what to do next, he texted the only person who might know where she could be.
Have you seen Tori? We were supposed to leave town for the weekend. She’s not answering her phone or texts. I’m starting to worry.
Kris messaged back within seconds.
Really? That’s weird. Hang on. I’ll send her a text and see if she answers.
Two minutes passed without another text, and he paced the apartment, his nerves growing more strung by the second.
Where was she? God, was she hurt? Had she somehow changed her mind about this weekend?
No way.
They’d been way too excited. Even up on the roof during the ice cream social, he hadn’t missed the intimacy and softness in her eyes.
So what had happened?
He racked his brain, trying to remember the last thing they’d said.
The house.
Had she regretted the conversation about getting a house together the minute she’d said it?
Or maybe he hadn’t looked excited enough, and she’d interpreted it wrong?
Or maybe there’s a super-logical explanation, and you’re just freaking the hell out for no reason.
He thrust a hand through his hair and sighed.