Free Hold Me by Talia Ellison Page B

around my shoulders. I don’t even want to acknowledge the presence of his bodyguard in the bushes not far from us, and I hope he can’t hear us.
    A woman with a box of roses and trinkets comes our away, a smile plastered on her face. She almost shoves the box in Caleb’s face. “Wanna buy something for the lady?”
    I expect him to tell her to go away, but he actually picks something from the box. “How much?” he asks. She raises two fingers in the air, and he takes two dollars out of his pocket and gives them to her.
    “Thank you.” She grins at him and trudges off. Caleb turns toward me and offers me a bracelet with tiny blue and green stones.
    I look at him. “For me?”
    “Yeah,” he says. “It reminds me of your eyes. They briefly go green in the light.”
    My mouth falls open. I can’t believe he noticed. I let him put the bracelet on my wrist. “Thanks.” When I look back at him, his face is only inches from mine. I want to close the distance between us, so I lean in, my lips parting. His dark eyes gaze into mine, and he’s about to kiss me, but then his phone vibrates, making him jump.
    He pulls back as if he’s been hit by lightning, and I curse whoever has texted him for ruining the moment. A frown appears on his face as he looks down at his phone. I try to catch a glimpse of the screen, but he’s tilting the phone away from me, as if he doesn’t want me to see it.
    “I’m sorry,” he says. “I have to go. I didn’t even notice how much time has passed.”
    “Oh, no, don’t apologize. It’s my fault. I should’ve known you’d have other engagements.” We get to our feet, and I fiddle with my hands. “I didn’t want to waste your precious time on...”
    “No, you didn’t.” His gaze is steady, and he offers me a big smile. “It was my pleasure to be your company today. I hope I’ll see you again.” He bites his lip, looking away. He’s said something he shouldn’t have, I guess, and I have to force myself not to grin from ear to ear.
    “Yeah, me too,” I say.
    He looks around, then focuses on me again. “Are you going home? I could accompany you to your car.”
    I wave my hand. “You don’t have to. I’ll be fine. I left the car near that alley where we met. It’s not a long walk from here.”
    “It’s okay. I’ll go with you. It’s on my way anyway.”
    “Thank you.” His concern for me warms my heart. I don’t even know yet what exactly it is that I want from him, but I hope I’ll find out.
    I pull into my street and park my black Audi in its spot in the garage. On my way to the elevator, I dig my phone out of my purse and dial the number of one of my father’s old friends, a former detective. It’s still not midnight, so he should be awake. He’s probably the only person I know who doesn’t mind late calls.
    “Hello?” a gruff male voice says on the other end of the line.
    “Hi, Mr. Prescott. It’s Lilith,” I say.
    “Lilith! What a nice surprise!” The tone of his voice immediately changes into a kinder version. “To what do I owe this pleasure?”
    “I have a favor to ask you,” I say. “Something you’re very good at.”
    “I’m listening.”
    “I need you to track down someone for me. I know you retired, but...”
    “Say no more, my dear. You know how much I love my job. Who do you want me to find?” he asks.
    I smile to myself. Prescott has always lived for his job, and even after he retired, he’s still waiting for a call from one of his friends so he can do some work. Some think he’s too old to do his job properly, but he’s one of the best.
    “I’ll send you the details, but there’s one thing... My father mustn’t find out about this,” I say.
    “What did you get yourself into this time, young lady?”
    “Nothing, really. My friend... She’s hanging out with some strange people. I just want to make sure she stays safe.” It’s easy to lie and shift the blame for this whole thing onto someone else. I wasn’t too