~CHAPTER FORTY FOUR~
I shake the thoughts off, forcing my mind back into place.
He finishes the call and sets the phone down. He leans back into his chair, settling in like he’s not in a rush. Like he has nowhere else to be.
Then he looks at me.
The intensity of his stare makes my stomach flip. I sit up straighter without meaning to, suddenly aware of myself—my posture, my breathing, the way my hands rest in my lap.
It’s too much.
I break eye contact and look away, heat creeping up my neck. I hate how shy he makes me feel.
A soft sound reaches me.
A smile.
Not loud. Not smug. Just there.
Like he noticed.
His voice fills the room again, smooth and curious.
“You mentioned Cassie,” he says. “Who’s that?”
A smile slips out before I can stop it. Real and unguarded. “My favorite gi
