My instructions from Charlie were clear: go to the penthouse at the address he provided, blend in with the crew moving things in, and install a program on Brandon’s computer. The program is already loaded onto a flash drive.

It was all going so well until Mr. Sex-On-Two-Legs stuck his hand between the elevator doors and practically turned me into a puddle.

“Brandon” was the only thing Charlie had told me about the person he wanted to target. I assumed it would be an old man, someone unobservant, someone frail. Not a muscled god dressed in an impeccable suit with a jawline so chiseled you could cut diamonds with it.

I stand on the carpet in the eighth floor hallway, and as the doors close between us, I give him a little wave.

As soon as I hear the elevator car start moving upward, I collapse against the wall, my chest heaving.

Holy fuck, that was close.

He was supposed to be gone this morning—and he could have caught me red-handed.

My phone vibrates in my hand. It’s Charlie, demanding an update.

I try to catch my breath as I tap out a reply, the warmth of my desire dissipating into cold fear once again. I don’t want Charlie to think I’m screwing with him.

Brandon came home early. I couldn’t install the program, but he asked me to meet him on Thursday. I’ll make sure he takes me home and I’ll do it then.

Charlie’s reply comes a few moments later.

Fine.

Then,

You know what happens if you can’t make this work.

I wait until I can’t stand it and get back on the elevator. My heart skips a beat when the doors slide open, but it’s empty.

I’m disappointed.

Ashamed, too. More than a little. My cheeks are hot as I hurry through the lobby and out onto the sidewalk.

Move. Getting away from this building, right now, is my top priority. Can he see me down here from his penthouse? It’s all I can do not to crane my neck up at the building and look.

Two blocks away I slip into a Starbucks.

It’s familiar here—the whirr of the espresso machine, the hiss of the steamer, the people behind the counter in their green aprons. I can relax. Wait—no. First I glance around at everybody sitting at the tables. A man absorbed in his laptop. A couple huddled together over what looks like a wedding album. A girl with pink hair scribbling into a notebook, her lips pursed. An older man reading the paper. None of them glance up at me. None of them leer at me with a terrifying smile.

For now, I’m anonymous.

I took some personal time off work for this. It’s the second day in a row. I should be relieved that there’s an after-hours date with Jett Brandon on the table now. The only thing worse than having to do this would be losing my job completely.

“Welcome to Starbucks,” says the woman behind the counter as I step up. “What can we make for you today?”

I shake my head to clear my thoughts. “Something…big.”

She laughs. “Hot or cold?”

“I’m warm, thanks.”

“Hot or cold drink?” Her smile is kind, but a flush of embarrassment washes through me. One run-in with Jett Brandon has me coming apart at the seams. How am I ever going to go on a date with him?

I’ll handle it, that’s how. I don’t have another choice.

“Frozen,” I decide finally. “Frozen and with as much caramel drizzle as you can give me.”

At least one thing today is going to go right.

* * *

I’m sipping the last of the Frappuccino and scrolling aimlessly through my phone—I never have time to do this—when the text from Adam comes in.

All moved out.

Brave. Very brave. He didn’t seem like he was ready to go anywhere when I left for work this morning. I wouldn’t be in a rush.

You sure you’re okay at your place?

I don’t want him to stay at my apartment forever. I don’t want him to witness this charade I’m playing with Jett Brandon. But it does make me nervous that he’s going back. We’re both being watched.

I’ll be great. Thanks, Angie. For everything.

Call me anytime, OK?

I will.

I toss the cup into the trash nearest to my table and put my phone back into my purse. Hadley awaits. Jett awaits.

Is it terrible if I’m a little excited?

Yes, I think while I make my way to the subway entrance two blocks down. It’s terrible. You’re being terrible.

But I’m excited nonetheless.