Lots of clients had made me feel uncomfortable over the years, but he was the only one who had ever truly made me feel violated. My final session with him had been traumatic, and seeing him again was triggering those remembered feelings of helplessness and fear.

Alex must’ve picked up on my reaction. “Easy, sweetheart. What’s got you spooked?”

“Nothing. Your beer is just revolting.”

He looked equal parts amused and skeptical. “Bullshit. Your body language is giving you away again. But keep your secret as long as it doesn’t involve me. I won’t pry.”

I shrugged noncommittally, refusing to confirm or deny there was an issue.

The waitress returned to point us to a shadier table. I quickly said, “I’m so sorry for the trouble, but we’ve decided we’re good here.”

Alex studied me, puzzled. I couldn’t tell him, but I would gladly have burned rather than let Max think I had to run away and hide because he showed up.

Fuck him. I wasn’t budging.

Alex let go of my hand to pull his leather jacket from behind him and drape it over my shoulders, effectively blocking them from the sun.

“Oh fuck me.” I groaned. “This is the softest leather jacket I’ve ever felt. It’s like wearing butter. You definitely aren’t getting this back.”

I was enveloped in the smell of him combined with the scent of leather, which was dangerous.

“I missed everything after the first sentence.”

I smacked his shoulder, so he rubbed it, pretending I’d hurt him.

“Don’t be a baby, Mr. Chase. If I’d really wanted to hurt you, you’d know about it.”

“There’s my scary girl. I was worried for a second.”

“Speaking of, we still need to address your little apology stunt.”

“No need to thank me.” His eyes twinkled with mischief.

I wasn’t sure I’d ever met anyone who made it harder not to smile.

“You’re incorrigible.”

He said, “We also need to talk about that question you bailed on in Chad’s office. You still owe me one.”

“You are such a child,” I sighed. “But if I’m never going to hear the end of this, then ask your question.”

“Not a chance. Now I’m saving it for something really good.”

I shook my head.

Max was staring. Luckily, most of the courtyard was sneaking glances at Alex, so no one would think it was weird, but Alex finally noticed him and they exchanged a nod in acknowledgment.

“Let’s go start our lesson.” I stood up and looked pointedly at the elevator. I had to swallow my pride and get out of there. I wasn’t mentally ready to deal with Max yet.

Alex looked unsure. “Now? Should we go up alone? Someone might think…”

“There’s something going on between us?” I didn’t understand the issue. We’d met here instead of somewhere private for that very reason. I started walking before Max had a chance to engage.

11

Alex

My afternoon had been dragging until Elena appeared in the courtyard, pulling every eye in the place to her. When she’d stolen my last cake, I wanted to chuck her over my shoulder and carry her somewhere private. But then she’d actually demanded to go somewhere private and that meant I needed to get it together quickly.