Page 77 of His Surrender

“That’s your professional opinion?”

“I’m trying really hard not to say what I actually want to say.”

I rub my forehead. “Please don’t.”

“Aubrey …”

“No.”

“You realize that man has feelings for you, right?”

“I don’t know that.”

“He waited up until eleven o’clock at night.”

“I know.”

“He was worried sick.”

“I know.”

“He nearly kissed you.”

“I know.” I let my head fall back. “But he’d also spent an entire week pretending I didn’t exist.”

Sydney sighs. “And that’s the part that bothers you.”

“I don’t know how I’m supposed to act around him anymore.”

Sydney is quiet again. When she speaks this time, her tone is decisive. “What are you doing this weekend?”

I let out a long breath. “I don’t know.”

“Now you do. You’re hanging out with me.”

I blink. “What?”

“I’m driving to New York after work on Friday. I can leave early and be there by dinner.”

“Syd …”

“Nope. You’ve been trapped inside that penthouse for a month.”

“I have gone places.”

“Work doesn’t count.”

“I’ve gone downstairs and on that date.”

She snorts. “One date doesn’t count.”

I laugh for the first time in what feels like forever.

“I’m serious,” she says. “We’re getting dinner. We’re walking around the city. Maybe we’ll do some shopping. Maybe we’ll find something ridiculous to make fun of in Times Square.”

“I don’t know …”

“I do.” Her voice softens. “You need one weekend where your entire world doesn’t revolve around wondering which version of Dean Ledger is going to walk through the front door.”