Natalie stood in front of the mirror in the bathroom of her apartment, staring blankly at her reflection. She was due back to work today, and she knew she couldn’t take any more time off.
Leaving her face bare of makeup, she also threw her hair up into a ponytail and dressed in baggier clothes than usual. Perhaps if she made herself look plain, Asher wouldn’t be as attracted to her.
With a sigh, she stepped out of the bathroom. Connie stepped out of the kitchen with coffee in a tumbler, holding it out for Natalie.
“You have your pepper spray in purse?” Connie asked.
“Yes.”
“I do not work today, but call me if you need me. Okay la?”
“Okay la,” Natalie repeated, accepting the coffee.
Grabbing her purse, she took a deep breath and set off downstairs to hail a taxi. The morning com
