Free Perfect Stranger by Sofia Grey

way.”
    My complicated feelings toward families were hard even for me to understand. Growing up, I hardly ever saw my father; he was too busy running his company. I’d be doing the same.
    I tried to explain to Marcus. “You say it’s no life for Louisa, trailing about behind you, but what if you had kids? Would you be happy seeing them once or twice a month?”
    “I guess not.” Marcus didn’t sound convinced. “But what’s the point of spending your life building the company, if you’ve got nobody to leave it to?”
    I didn’t have an answer for that. More beer seemed like a good idea.

5.2 Jenny
    As soon as Marella and Cade left my desk, I grabbed my cellphone and darted outside, to call Rob. He refused to take my call, and I had to text him, to apologize. I went back to my desk with a sick feeling in my gut, wondering how long it would take him to calm down. He didn’t call back nor did he reply to my text, and I’d no idea if he saw my conciliatory emails either. What did I have to do?
    To my eternal relief, Cade was otherwise occupied for the rest of the day. I had to face him at some point, and—God knew how—I’d have to work with him, but I was spared that for today.
    Worry gave way to a churning sense of disquiet, and as finishing time drew close, I wondered if Rob would bother to pick me up or if I had to get the bus. I cleared my desk, picked up my jacket and bag, and headed out, after making sure Cade was nowhere in sight. That’d be all I needed.
    Kate called as I left. “God, Jen. You won’t believe the day I’ve had. Don’t suppose you fancy going for a drink? Does Rob have football tonight?”
    If Rob didn’t pick me up, I might go and meet Kate to spite him. Or not. That would be childish. “He’s home for dinner tonight. Sorry. If it’s any consolation, I’ve had a day and a half too. Is it full moon or something?”
    “That’d fit with Adam turning into a vampire. He looks at me as though I’m his dinner, and it makes my flesh crawl.”
    I pressed the button for the elevator and let Kate’s chat wash over me. I didn’t like Rob being pissed with me. It was unsettling. I tuned back in as she asked a question, and thought for a moment.
    “I’ve heard of Colin Hooper, but I couldn’t tell you where. And talking of new starters, you’ll never guess who works here now. Cade Brisley.”
    “Cade? He’s lovely. I haven’t seen him since we all worked together. How is he?” She clucked her tongue. “What was his girlfriend’s name? Tansy?”
    “Tasha.”
    “We should get together for a drink. You, me, Belle, and Cade. Like old times.”
    Yeah, like that would ever happen. Why did I tell Kate? I shouldn’t have said anything. If they met up, Cade would be sure to tell her what happened, and I couldn’t bear that. My lungs grew tight at the thought. “I have to go, Kate. Talk to you soon.”
    I stepped out of the elevator and forced myself to breathe normally. No panic attacks today. Nu huh. I walked through the reception area, waved at one of my colleagues, and then examined my phone again. No missed calls or texts.
    “Jen.” It was Rob, leaning against the wall. “You took your time.” His eyes were hidden by sunglasses, but by the way he lounged, arms crossed over his chest, he looked anything but approachable.
    “Hi.” I took a step toward him.
    “Expecting a call?” He nodded at my phone, his voice curt.
    My cheeks heated. “I was hoping you’d call.”
    “You didn’t want to talk to me earlier. What’s changed?”
    I could tell from the rigid set of his jaw that he was more upset by our tiff than he cared to show. Rob was all about appearances. I walked to him and stretched up to press a kiss on his cheek. “I’ve already said sorry a dozen times, if you’d only check your emails and texts. I left a couple of voicemails too.” I kept my tone light and dropped a series of tiny kisses over his mouth. “Thank you for coming to pick me up. I do