“Today?” Tobias says, his voice strained. He listens for a moment, then nods. “All right. I’ll be there.”
After he hangs up, I give him a questioning look. “Everything okay?”
“There’s a problem with one of the orders at one of my investment companies. I have to drive to the mainland and fixit. I wasn’t expecting to, so it’s going to put me behind on a few other things. I was already behind, so I might have to work some long hours this week to make up for it.”
Long hours? Does that mean I won’t see him much this week? Disappointment settles in my stomach. “No problem. I can take care of everything here. You go do what you need to.”
Tobias steps close to me. His gaze smolders, and it makes all those butterflies take flight inside of me. He brushes my hair behind my shoulders, and his hands skim down my arms. “You’re pretty amazing, you know that?”
My face heats, and I know I’m blushing. “I’m just doing my job.”
He squints at me. “No, I don’t think so.”
“What do you mean?”
He pulls me to him. “There’s just something about the way you take care of Skyler. Like she’s special. You’re a caring person.”
My heart jumps into my throat. I’ve been mothering her too much. He’s noticed.
Levi walks into the kitchen and Tobias steps back from me. Levi chuckles. “I’m happy for you guys.” He grabs a piece of bacon.
“You off to work?” Tobias asks.
“Yep. See you.” Levi gives us a wave and leaves. A moment later his motorcycle starts up outside and he drives off.
“I talked to him about taking motorcycle driving classes, and he was actually excited about it.” Tobias gives me a smile. “Thanks for giving me that idea. It does make me feel better.”
“Good.” I feel pleased that he took my advice.
“I’d better change into my suit and get going.” He starts to leave, but turns back to me. “Oh, while I’m thinking about it, I printed off a new W-9 form. It’s in my office. Can you fill it out? I need to pay you for last week.”
Guilt rises in my chest as reality comes crashing down on me. I’m lying to Tobias. To everyone here. My relationship with Tobias is just an illusion. It’s all fake. I can’t stay here.
Tobias frowns. “Everything okay?”
I school my features and nod. “I’m fine. Sorry, I just spaced out for a minute.”
“Why don’t you go fill out that form right now while I change? I can get your payment ready today.”
My throat closes and I have a hard time breathing. “Sure. I can do that.”
He leaves, and I walk into his office and pick up the W-9 form. I stare at it for a long time before I pick up a pen and fill it out, using my fake last name, and a fake social security number. This will buy me a little more time, at least.
Tobias enters the office wearing a suit and tie. I swallow. Dang. Why was I trying so hard to get him to wear jeans? He looks amazing all dressed up. “Here,” I say, handing him the paper.
“Thanks. I hope I’ll be home in time for dinner, but if I’m not, go ahead and eat without me.”
“Okay.”
He steps forward and pulls me into his arms. “We should probably have a conversation sometime soon about us.”
I nod, feeling even more guilty. “Okay.”
“Tonight?”
“Sure.”
Tobias brushes his lips across mine before letting me go. He leaves, and I sink down to the floor.
