Free Forever With You by Laurelin Paige Page A

wasn’t good enough. I knew he’d want me to interrupt him for this, but Trish would never do it herself. Hoping he’d check his cell phone, I shot him a text. I’m on my way to your office. I need to see you.
    I was calmer when it was my turn at the cashier. I collected the table cards I had ordered, took a deep breath, and headed out of the store. I was terrified to walk out with Celia so near the entrance, but I wouldn’t let her see that. Thankfully, just as I put my hand on the door to push it open, Jordan pulled up. Celia took off at a brisk pace down the sidewalk. If all it took to send her away was Jordan, I’d never go anywhere without him again.
    I slid in the car before Jordan had a chance to get out and open the door for me. “Up ahead, on the sidewalk,” I said pointing toward Celia’s back. “Do you see her?” She was walking fast and I wanted someone else to see her before she disappeared in the New York City crowds.
    Jordan was quick with a good eye. “I see her. Was she following you?” He didn’t seem to be surprised.
    “Yes. How did you know?”
    “I spotted her this morning when I dropped you off at the club, but I wasn’t certain it was her. We need to tell Mr. Pierce.”
    “I plan to right now. Can you take me to his office?”
    He answered with a nod.
    I sat back and buckled my seatbelt as he pulled out into traffic. Celia was still in sight and I watched her as we drove closer. She stopped walking when we passed, and even though she couldn’t see me through the tinted windows, she smiled and waved.
    It was a good thing I was a pacifist, because otherwise I’d have started planning her murder.

Chapter Six
     
    Hudson hadn’t responded to my text by the time I’d arrived in the lobby, so I sent another. I’m getting in the elevator. I’ll be in your office in 2.
    I still hadn’t received a reply when I stepped onto his floor, but I breezed by Trish as if Hudson were always available for me.
    From the way he usually talked, he was always available for me.
    “Excuse me,” Trish called after me. “Mr. Pierce is still with his appointment—”
    “He knows I’m coming,” I called over my shoulder.
    The door opened before I even touched the handle. Hudson stood there, concern etched on his brow. “It’s okay, Patricia.” He ushered me in.
    As soon as the door shut behind me, he cupped his hands around my face and searched my eyes. “I got your text. What’s wrong? Are you hurt?”
    “No, not hurt.” I was shaking, and now that I was with Hudson, I wanted to cry.
    “Alayna, what is it?”
    I pulled my phone out and began to cue Celia’s picture. “I need to show you something. Can I—”
    A rustle behind us caught my attention. I peered around Hudson and saw a woman standing by his desk. Her auburn hair was tied loosely at her nape, the color accentuated by the pale cream of her suit.
    My back straightened, warning bells sounding in my head. “Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t realize you weren’t alone.”
    Hudson put a hand at my back and gestured toward his guest. “Alayna, you remember Norma.”
    “Yeah, I do. Norma Anders. We met at the Botanic Gardens event.” The same knot of jealousy I’d felt at meeting her formed now. Or rather, her presence tightened the knot that had been in my belly for the past half hour.
    Norma had an obvious interest in Hudson. It bothered me. She worked with him daily, touched him casually, used his first name—he rarely let people use his first name, particularly not his employees. And here she was alone with him in his office midday. And he had ignored my texts.
    “We did meet then.” Norma looked me over, sizing me up. When we’d met before, she’d barely given me a second glance. She’d been too focused on my man. “It’s good to see you again, Alayna.” Her terse tone said otherwise.
    She delivered her next line to Hudson. “If you two need to talk alone, we can step out.”
    We? My eyes traveled the room and I noticed