Page 37 of Yours to Keep

Page List

Font:

Font Size:

He smiles and nods.

“Right. Fifteen minutes?”

“I just need a shower and a change of clothes.”

“Perfect.”

* * *

By the time we reach the rear car park, the rain has eased to nothing more than a damp sheen across the asphalt. CJ locks the truck, and we fall into step together, heading toward the building. The clouds are breaking apart overhead, letting the sun push through in wide, warm streaks. It makes the whole place feel bigger, brighter.

As we cross the lot, I glance toward where I left my car last night. It’s still there, thankfully not towed, and staff are beginning to arrive, calling out to each other as they head inside.

The warmth of the office hits me the moment I step through the door. I take in the space: an old building, renovated into an open-plan office with a row of private rooms down one side.Glass walls give the illusion of openness while still offering privacy. A large room markedOperationsstretches along one wall, a long conference table dominating the center and TVs lining the sides.

Beyond all of that, every office window frames either the mountains or the waterfront perfectly, turning the view into something close to art.

I watch as people weave through the open-plan office carrying laptops, coffee cups and folders. Good mornings echo across the room while phones already ring. Someone laughs somewhere down the hall.

The whole place feels like it’s moving, It’s alive, and I love it. The receptionist looks up as we walk through the doors.

She freezes.

“Oh.”

CJ sighs immediately, “What?”

“You found another one.”

I blink between them. Another one? Heat rises in my cheeks. I don’t know whether to feel embarrassed or grateful.

CJ pinches the bridge of his nose.

“She thinks I collect people.” He says, looking at me.

“I mean…” she shrugs. “You kind of do.”

“I do not.”

She grins, “The last time you said that, Deck lived in your guest room for an entire year.”

“He did not.”