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."

moment, then nodded and started flipping through the

a glass of water for

office was quiet-just the two

Clara smiled lightly. "Everything's in order. I'll

eyes at her. “Don't bother reading any

already knew what people must be saying about her after the fire-tearing her apart,

smile. "I'm not going

always wanted to ask:

looked down, picked up Dylan's fountain pen, and signed

corner.

documents over to him and met his gaze. "You always seem pretty

he gathered up the papers. "Dylan and I grew up together. What

feel about him yet," she admitted. "But I'd

he picked up the file. "Just remember you said that. I'm not like Jackson or

so simply, then left the office without

starting to throb behind her

finished the last

way, she stopped at a florist, thinking she'd pick up a bouquet to bring

out, flowers in hand, she spotted Aaron

since she last saw