Free When It Hooks You (It #1) by Nicki Elson Page B

disappearing behind the door to Michael’s side of the office.
    Trish lost count of how many times her eyes went to that same door during the next ninety minutes. When Adam finally emerged, she was at the small kitchenette off to the side of the lobby, pouring coffee for a waiting client. She watched him glance at her empty chair. Then his eyes roved the room, stopping when they landed on her.
    She immediately redirected her attention toward the other client, walking across the carpet in a practiced saunter—not too provocative, but not completely innocent, either. “Here you go, Mrs. Beneficence. Please let me know if you need anything else. Stephanie should be ready to meet with you in a few minutes.”
    When she stood straight and turned toward her desk, Adam’s gaze flicked abruptly away from her, like he’d been caught staring. “Can I help you with something, Mr. Helms? Would you like a bottled water for the road?”
    “No…I…” His captivating eyes were back on her. “I didn’t want to leave without saying goodbye.” He stayed rooted where he stood, looking considerably less haggard than he’d been the last time he’d exited the office, four weeks earlier. Today he was poised and collected, debonair in his perfectly fitted dark suit.
    His lingering attention caused Trish to waiver in her coolness. The earnestness in his expression certainly seemed to indicate he wanted more than transient moments with her, as well. She shook it off, resisting the urge to read more into his look than was actually there. He hadn’t called. He wasn’t interested. That was that.
    She continued on to her desk and lowered into her chair. “Well, goodbye then.” She gave him a dismissive smile and focused on her computer screen. It felt awful being outright rude to him, but what did he expect? She was embarrassed at having been so forward about adding her name to his contacts. He’d probably deleted her information before he’d even gotten to the hotel.
    “Goodbye,” he said. She didn’t look up from her screen, but in her peripheral vision, she saw him spin on his heel and stay hidden behind the plant until the elevator dinged and took him away.
    Ten minutes later, with Mrs. Beneficence ferried to her attorney’s office, Trish’s phone buzzed with a text from an unknown number.
    What was that?
    Who is this?
    Adam Helms
    Oh
    I repeat—what was that?
    What was what?
    In the office. Why could we hardly talk to each other?
    I didn’t realize you wanted to talk.
    I didn’t want to not talk.
    Huh?
    I don’t know what I’m saying.
    A few seconds passed with Trish not knowing how to respond. Her phone buzzed again.
    I want to see you.
    Her heart thudded against her ribcage, and her cold bitch mode melted away to be replaced by coy flirt.
    You just did, silly.
    Again. I want to see you again. I’m in town through the weekend. Are you available to do something tomorrow?
    Yes. Until about 7. What do you want to do?
    Something non-touristy. You decide.
    Ok. Let me think about it. I have your number now so I’ll text you where to meet.
    Great. See you tomorrow.
    CU then. Bye.
    Bye.

    The next afternoon, Adam and Trish met at the Fullerton CTA station. As had been forecasted, the June day was sunny and humid, so she’d chosen a short, strapless, cotton sundress and tucked sunscreen in her straw hobo bag. She’d pulled her long hair up into a messy twist. Keeping their plans a surprise, Trish had merely told Adam to dress casually and be prepared for lots of fresh air.
    Right on time, he showed up in a white polo shirt and long, army green walking shorts. He wore Topsider shoes with no socks. It was her first time seeing him in anything other than a suit and shiny dress shoes. Even his hairstyle was more relaxed, with a heavier dose of free wisps falling onto his forehead.
    “If this were nineteen eighty-six, I’d call you preppy,” Trish teased.
    “If this were any era, I’d call you stunning.” Coming from another