“Delaney?”
She glances up from her phone with wide eyes. “Logan?”
I’m frozen, staring at her. She looks the same, and my body wants to pull her into my arms like no time has passed. Before we say another word, the elevator doors close. I slam the button to call the elevator back, but it’s too late. Knowing she is likely going to the lobby, I find the stairs and run down them. But when I get to the lobby, she isn’t there. Maybe she went back up. To avoid missing her again, I wait in the lobby, but after ten minutes, I must admit to myself that she’s not coming back.
She saw me and ran. Or maybe her husband was waiting for her and she left with him. Wait, did I want her to wait for me? I squeeze my eyes shut, trying to push out the thoughts before I drive myself crazy.
I get back in the elevator and head to my brother’s floor. When the elevator doors open, I step out and look around. The FBI uses this entire floor. Why was Delaney meeting with someone here?
It’s none of my business. I take a deep breath and enter the small lobby area, then ask for Brian. He steps into the lobby.
“Logan, I’m surprised to see you. I’m afraid I don’t have time—”
I hold up my hand. “Time isn’t necessary. I know you impersonated Reed to get those appointments with the psychologist. I came here to yell at you about it, but now I’ve run out of steam. Just don’t do it again.”
I spin on my heel and leave. Once outside, I soak up the Californian sun while I debate my next step. Without any reason not to go, I drive to where Delaney should be working.
The address for Manzia Construction had changed from all those years ago, and when I pull up, I see why. This building is much larger and nicer. Looks like business has been good for them over the years.
I park across the street and stare at the building. Is she in there, or did she take the day off? It’s not like I can walk in and risk Delaney or Duke seeing me.
Before I figure out my plan, I spot her. Delaney walks out of the building with another woman. The other woman is talking animatedly while Delaney simply nods. Her usual sunny disposition is missing. There’s a sadness to her. It could be she’s still grieving her father. Just because I hated the guy, I need to remember she loved him.
She stops walking and glances around. Does she sense I’m watching her? Her friend puts her hand on her arm. Delaney nods, then they walk down the block and into a coffee shop. Several people go in and out, indicating it’s busy inside. I put on a hat and my sunglasses, then get out of the car. As I walk to the door of the coffee shop, I spot Delaney with her back to the window, sitting at a table for two.
Perfect.
I step inside and spot an empty chair near their table. I grab it and sit down. Many people are sitting in here without drinks, presumably waiting for their coffee to be ready, so hopefully, I blend in.
“What’s wrong?” the other woman asks her. “Why are you looking around? Are you expecting someone?”
Delaney sighs. “I saw him.”
“Him who?”
“Him,” Delaney draws out.
“Oh shit, you saw Logan?”
Wait, if she knows from just that, then that means Delaney has likely mentioned me over the years. Maybe I’m not alone in this obsession. But my good mood quickly fades as I realize she saw me. Did she see me parked across the street?
“I swear I felt him at my dad’s funeral, and then today, I saw him as I stepped onto an elevator.”
Relief washes over me. She has no idea I’m here now.
The other woman takes a deep breath. “Oh, Delaney, I think your mind is playing tricks on you. Remember, he lives in Virginia.”
Delaney leans back. “Yeah, maybe. But let’s drop it. I have something else we need to talk about.”
“Okay, what’s this other thing?” the other woman asks.
Delaney is silent for a moment, and I wonder if she’s whispering, but then she speaks. “Sam, do not tell anyone.”
Wait, that’s Sam? As in her best friend, Samantha, who was at the bar with her the night we met. It’s been years, but that woman doesn’t look the same. Regardless, she might recognize me, so I move so my back is to both of them.
“Nelson hit me.”
When I hear her words, I clench my fists. To hear that he laid a hand on her, I want to pummel the guy.
