Page 152 of Red Marked

I haven’t seen him since the meeting with Dr. Pryce at the start of the week.

No! Chances are good it’s Rift. Or Brian. He has checked on me twice now. I haven’t invited him in, even though he’s offered to help me study. I can’t encourage him. I feel sorry for the poor guy. I’m obviously not interested in him. He’s not my type at all. Just thinking about what my type might be has me thinking of Flint.

It’s irritating.

I step over the notes fanned across the floor, put on my polite face, and open the door.

The blood drains out of me and then floods back, making me feel hot.

Flint is standing in the hallway in jeans and a gray T-shirt. He has light stubble on his face. His scent envelops me.

I have to hold back a groan.

“Um…are you going to invite me in?”

I realize that I’m standing there like an idiot.

“Yes, of course. I wasn’t expecting to see you.”

I step aside and notice the padded envelope in one of his hands. I also note how the shirt pulls tight across his chest, and the sleeves are losing the fight with his biceps. They’re good biceps. Good for holding on to.

He looks so freaking good.

I’m in the sweats I changed into after my final training session this morning, and there’s yellow highlighter all over my fingers. The shirt is oversized and does nothing for me. I’m sure my hair is a mess too.

If only I’d known he was coming.

No! It can’t be like that between us.

“Hi,” I say, even though it’s a little too late.

“Hi, Pearl.” He holds up the envelope. “Delivery for you.”

I hate that he calls me Pearl. He said my name while he was buried inside me. It stings a little when he doesn’t say it now that we’re alone.

I understand why. We can’t slip up. I know that, but still. He’s being a little ridiculous.

His eyes move over to the manual and the notes. Then they go to the two dirty mugs and back to me.

“How are the studies going?”

“Could be better and could be worse. I still have time to cram.”

“I didn’t sleep the night before my exam. It’s a lot, but you’ll be shocked how quickly it becomes second nature.” He holds up the envelope. “I have your new cell phone and a SIM card.” He hands the envelope over. “It’s charged, and my number is saved. You’re all set. Don’t message me unless it’s work-related or unless it has to do with the case we’re working on.”

“Okaaaay.”

What does he think I’d message him about?

“So, you’re saying I’m not permitted to send you a nude of myself or anything?”

His eyes flare, and his mouth falls open for half a second. “That would be inappropriate.”

I roll my eyes because, what the heck? He’s acting like Mistveil City never happened, but it did.

“I’m only joking. Geez! You don’t have to be so stuffy, Flint.”

“I’m sorry, but I do. We need to be really careful. I’m your boss now, Pearl.”