week, which would explain why he hasn’t called. He already knows what’s going on.
“Her memory of the night is foggy,” I lie, hoping this calculated risk pays off. If he’s talked to Howard, he’ll know I’m lying and I’ll be fucked.
“The medical report didn’t say anything about that,” he states matter-of-factly.
Of course. He would have access to that information, wouldn’t he? Still, he doesn’t bring up Howard, which puts me at ease—only slightly.
“That’s because she didn’t tell them. She’s having nightmares,” I volunteer, hating that I’m breaking her confidence, but it’s a necessary evil.
He’s skeptical that we’re shacking up—his words—and this is proof that my close proximity to her is important.
“And it’s starting to come back to her. She’s studied the files, and while she hasn’t connected any dots, I believe we’re close.”
He exhales slowly, and I brace myself for what’s to come.
“Speed it up, Matthews. Or I’ll assign someone else to this. I’m worried you’re getting to close and it’s clouding your judgment. It’d be in your best interest to prove me wrong.”
He hangs up, and I swear under my breath.
When I turn, all the blood drains from my face. Brie is standing in the doorway, staring back at me.
“Who the hell was that?”
“Her memory of the night is foggy.”
I hear Rafe as I open the door, wondering what was taking so long. Who the hell is he talking to? And why is he lying?
“She’s having nightmares.”
My interest turns from piqued to angry. Why would he tell anyone that? Especially since it’s not true. I haven’t had a nightmare since the first night.
He drops his hand and places his phone in his back pocket, muttering a curse out loud. His shoulders fall, and when he turns to come back to the trailer, he spots me. His face turns ashen, pale, and I cross my arms.
“Who the hell was that?” I ask. When the hell is this merry-go-round going to stop spinning so I can get off? I didn’t sign up for this ride, and it’s becoming all too overwhelming.
“That was my boss, Brie,” he says.
A bit of my anger fades because he’s telling the truth.
“So far, he’s kept a pretty loose leash on me, letting me run this case how I want. But after what happened with Adrian, he’s feeling restless and he wants answers. I have to give him just enough to not question why I’m with you.”
My hackles rise. “Why you’re with me?” I hiss. “You need an excuse for that?”
In two quick strides, he’s in front of me, his hands on my hips as he pushes me backwards. He uses his leg to slam the door shut. “Yes, Brie, I need an excuse. He has no idea that I’ve fa—” He stops himself.
“That you want?” I challenge, my heart pounding.
“He doesn’t know how much I care about you. That this is real. If he did… I don’t even want to think about what he would do. So, for now, he thinks I’m using you. I have to make him believe that until this is all over.”
“Oh.”
“I know that’s not what you want to hear, but it’s the truth. I’m walking a fine line here.”
I close my eyes and take a few deep breaths, trying to regroup. I have a feeling I’ll have a few more of these moments until this is wrapped up, and I tell myself that I can’t get freaked out every time. He’s staring down at me, worry etched on his face, when I open my eyes.
“So, what’s next?” I ask.
His concern instantly melts away, a beaming smile crossing his lips. “Got a bonus with the contract. You up for a romantic weekend in the Windy City?” he asks.
“I thought you’d never ask.”
THREE DAYS LATER, RAFE and I are on our way to Chicago, posed as a loved-up couple on a weekend getaway. Part of me hopes we can be those two people—at least, for a little while. As our plane descends into O’Hare, the nervous butterflies attack my belly, and they grow exponentially stronger as we get in the rental car and drive towards the city.
Rafe must see the anxiety etched on my face. He takes my hand and entwines our fingers. “You okay?”
“I haven’t been back here since… Even after finishing out at Northwestern, I never went back to the city. I spent all of my time on campus, throwing myself into my studies. I couldn’t bear the thought of retracing the steps of where we made all our memories.” I