Page 38 of By His Vow
“I know,” I mutter. “Someone has to do it.”
“Yeah, she should. It’s time for her to step up.”
“Lor, she can barely stand up,” I point out.
“That isn’t—” She sighs, cutting herself off.
She often forgets that just because she has pretty much nothing to do with her own mother, doesn’t mean other people don’t have obligations to theirs.
My mom isn’t a bad person. She’s always been there for me. Even if it was from a distance while I was away at school. Sure, she wasn’t a hands-on mom, and our relationship could be a lot better, but still. She’s a hell of a lot better than Dad ever was. At least she had some time for me.
“So anyway, what the hell was up with Kingston this morning? And why the fuck was he in our apartment?”
“You busy tonight?” I ask on a sigh.
“I was going to wash my hair, but?—”
“Put it in an updo,” I say, rolling my eyes at her insane hair routine. “We’re going out. There are things I need to tell you.”
“Did you fuck him?” she screeches loudly as I step into a full elevator.
Every single person turns to look at me, ensuring my cheeks blaze bright red.
“Lori,” I whisper.
“Well, did you?” My lips part to tell her no, but she continues nonetheless. “I know I would have. He looked fucking delicious. Although, his hair needed messing up a little.”
“I thought your date went well,” I say in an attempt to change the subject.
The longer I can keep the details about me and Kingston out of the gossiping mouths of this office, the better.
“Oh, it did. He was incredible. Didn’t fill out a suit in the way Kingston Callahan does, though.”
“Lori, will you—” My words are cut off as the elevator stops on the second floor where the on-site gym is located and almost everyone piles out.
The second the doors begin to close, my skin erupts in goosebumps.
Dragging in a deep breath, I keep my eyes focused forward as heat begins to burn down my back.
“I know you hate him, but you can’t tell me you didn’t appreciate the sight this morning.”
Warm breath rushes across my neck, making all my hairs stand on end.
“I’m going to check on Mom on the way home. Be ready to go in two hours?” I ask.
“You got it. Girls’ night or?—”
“Invite Cory. I’ve missed him,” I confess, before a large hand clamps down on my hip.
“Okay. You got it. See you soon, yeah?”
“Yep,” I agree, my voice coming out a little squeakier than I intended.
“Are you sure you’re okay?” Lori asks, able to tell from just that one word that I’m not.
“Yeah, great. See you soon.”
I hang up before she can say anything else I don’t want Kingston overhearing.