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Emma: Thanks again.

I read it twice before slipping the phone back into the center console, and the smile stays with me for the rest of the drive home.

CHAPTER NINE

Emma

MARCH 21ST

I wrap both hands around my mug as I sink into the corner of the couch, tucking my feet beneath my favorite blue blanket with rain drumming against the windows.

By the time I take my first sip of tea, my phone lights up again.

Bane: Still awake?

A smile sneaks across my face before I’ve even unlocked it.

Emma: Apparently.

I’m setting my mug on the coffee table when his reply arrives.

Bane: Good. I was hoping I wasn’t the only one.

I laugh under my breath.

Emma: I thought CEOs needed a sensible bedtime.

Bane: I have a board meeting tomorrow.

Emma: That sounds very responsible.

A few seconds pass before another message appears.

Bane: It would be if I were actually asleep.

I tuck a loose strand of hair behind my ear, smiling far harder than any text message deserves.

Emma: So what’s keeping you awake?

The typing bubble flickers on and off enough times that I picture him rewriting every answer before settling on one.

Bane: I’ve been thinking about this evening.

Warmth creeps into my cheeks. Rain taps against the glass as I stare at the words, type a reply, erase it, then try again.

Emma: The presentation?

His answer comes back almost straight away.

Bane: No.

Another message follows before I can wonder whether I’ve guessed wrong.

Bane: The conference room.

I let out a slow breath and lean back into the cushions.

Emma: Oh.