yn's

d dream. Caleb's unwelcome advances, the sheer panic of breaking free, and most of all, the fact th

alyze me. I had bigger battles ahead, and dwelling on the horror wouldn't change what had happe

tings to start learning the ropes, and I didn't want to give him a reason to worry. The thought

y when the fatigue started to creep in. My mind f

air in the office felt too heavy, and I needed a moment to breathe. So, I stepped into the hallway headed t

g that natural charm he always seemed to e

, forcing a polite tone

stepping closer. "What's got you

w to respond. "Just a bu

. Have you eaten yet?" he asked, his eyes fi

y head. "

earby that makes a mean sandwich," he

d me. Besides, a change of scenery sounded better than p

corner street. The hum of conversation and the soft clatt

r as he stirred his coffee. "How's it going, be

I said cautiously. "Lots of ne

with the family. It can feel like everyone's watching your eve

ised by his praise. "It me

a good head on your shoulders. Caleb doesn't r

rrected and

rdly, but I kept my face neutral. "It's

a moment. "You're good at that, aren't

efore I could think of something, the

moment, I saw something flicker across her face-surprise, may

aking her way over. "I did

eted her with

ne sugary as she addressed Leonard. "

cknowledged her w

immediately altering the dynamic. "What brings you two

gested grabbing lunch," I s

row at Leonard. "How often do y

smiling faintly. "Not as often as

t her smile unwavering. "It's nice to see you getting a

urfaced unbidden, and I prayed it didn't show on my face. I glanced at Leonard, hoping he wouldn't say anything

oothly, redirecting the conversation. "She'

"I can see that. But it must be a lot of pressure,

tomach twist, but I forced a smile. "

ed at it, his brow furrowing slightly. "Looks like I'll have to cut this s

ul for the excuse to escap

h a polite nod. "Nic

the door, Dana and I were left alone at the table. T

e lighter now. "You and

forced myself to shrug. "He's just being

e. "Friendly, huh? Well, you're

er scrutiny. "I should get back to the office," I

pression unreadable. "Of c

kward. Instead, we withdrew and settled on a quick h

e said out loud before I