Riley’s POV
My mind went completely blank. I was scrambling for words, for any explanation that would make sense.
“Erica?” he said again, closer now. “What are you doing here?”
I realized I was fidgeting with my purse strap, my hands trembling. I forced them to still, forced myself to breathe, to think.
Compose yourself. You can do this.
I smiled. Bright. Natural. Like I had nothing to hide.
“Remember I told you I was meeting Aria for drinks?” I kept my voice light, casual.
Gerald stopped in front of me, his eyes searching my face. “At The Magnificent Hotel?”
“They have a beautiful bar here.” I said quickly. “Aria’s been wanting to try their new cocktail menu.”
He didn’t say anything. Just kept looking at me with those dark, penetrating eyes that seemed to see straight through eve
