Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run

It hit her out of nowhere, leaving her completely defenseless.

Her thoughts were scattered the whole drive back, but as soon as she dropped into her chair, she snapped right into work mode, steady and focused.

She powered through her tasks until noon, when the office door opened and someone called, "Richard's here."

She glanced up and saw him walk in, dressed sharp as always in a tailored suit.

Of all Dylan's friends, Richard was the only one who'd never been openly cold to her. From the very first time they met, there was this odd sense of familiarity between them-something she couldn't quite explain.

Richard's eyes lingered on her for a beat before he set a stack of documents beside her desk. "I thought you'd look worse today, honestly."

"Why's that?" she asked.

He sat down next to her, but didn't answer. Instead, he asked, "Is Dylan okay?"

So, he'd heard about the fire at the temple.

"He's fine. I made him stay home and rest," she replied.

Richard reached for a cigarette, paused, then set it aside. "Stick with him these days. He'll need you."

for a moment, then nodded and

of water for Richard, but he

was quiet-just the two of

she finished reviewing the documents, Clara smiled

eyes at her. “Don't bother reading any

She already knew what people must be saying about her after the

smile. "I'm not going to waste energy on

Richard said after a pause, "I've always wanted to ask:

picked up Dylan's fountain pen, and signed her name in

corner.

over to him and met his gaze. "You always seem pretty invested in me and Dylan Are you genuinely worried about him,

papers. "Dylan and I grew up together. What do you

not sure how I feel about him yet," she admitted. "But I'd never do anything to

small, almost secretive smile as he picked up the file. "Just remember you said that. I'm

then left the office without

chair, feeling a headache starting to throb behind her eyes. It was the kind that crept in

sighed, pushed herself through the rest of the afternoon, finished the last of her

a florist, thinking she'd pick up a bouquet to

she walked out, flowers in hand, she spotted

been ages since she last