“What’s going on in that head of yours?” he murmured.

“Far too much for me to be able to think clearly.” I bit my lip. “I’ll bring my laptop in here because that’s the smartest thing to do and I’m not one of those people who cuts off their nose to spite their face. But you and I need to talk about where this thing between us is going and what we’re going to tell people.”

“Okay.” He leaned forward as though to kiss the tip of my nose but stopped himself. “We can talk later. I want you to be comfortable.”

“Thank you.” I smiled and then turned toward the exit. “I’ll be back in a few minutes.”

He raised his chin. “If you’re not, I’ll come looking for you.”

Warmth filled my belly. As someone who’d never relied on anyone since Dad died, knowing there was another person who cared about me was a heady feeling. I was smiling to myself as I arrived back at my desk.

Imani shot to her feet when she saw me coming. “Is everything okay? You seemed really upset when you left.”

I felt a prick of guilt for letting her worry with no explanation. “I’m not exactly okay, but I will be.”

“All right.” She didn’t seem to know how to take that. “I’m here if you need support.”

“Thank you.” I gave her a quick hug. “I’ll be working elsewhere for the rest of the day. Why don’t I give you my number in case you need to get in touch?”

“Yes, please.” She handed me her phone, and I entered my details into it, then passed it back. “Where are you going?” she asked as I started gathering my things.

My cheeks flamed. “Ronan’s office. I think the man who sent those flowers might be the same one who tried to abduct me. Ronan wants to keep an eye on me to make sure I’m safe.”

Imani’s eyes narrowed. “That creeper! I hope Ronan lets him know where things stand.” She waggled her eyebrows. “So is something going on between you two?”

“Maybe.” I held up a hand as she squealed. “But please, don’t mention it to anyone.”

“I won’t.” She grinned. “I’m just pleased that something good might come from all the crap you’re going through.”

“Me too.” I collected the things I’d stacked on top of my closed laptop. “I’d better get back before he sends out a search party.”

She nodded. “I’ll text later.”

I made my way back to Ronan’s office, ignoring the eyes on my back. I knocked once on his door, then eased it open and peeked inside. He was on the phone, but he waved me in.

“Nothing illegal, as far as I know,” he said to whoever he was talking to. “But I thought you’d like to be kept in the loop.” He ran a hand through his hair. “Okay, yeah. Sounds good. Talk soon.” He hung up and pocketed his phone.