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."

his face for a moment, then nodded and started flipping through the

water for Richard,

quiet-just the two

reviewing the documents, Clara smiled

at her. “Don't bother reading

tightened around the paperwork. She already knew what people must

a smile. "I'm not going

pause, "I've always wanted to

up Dylan's fountain pen,

corner.

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

as he gathered up the papers. "Dylan and

feel about him yet," she admitted. "But I'd never do anything

the file. "Just remember you said that. I'm not like Jackson

simply, then left the office without

in her chair, feeling a headache starting to throb behind her eyes.

pushed herself through the rest of the afternoon, finished the last of her contracts, and finally got ready to head

florist, thinking she'd pick up a

in hand,

since