16. Saoirse

16

SAOIRSE

S omething isn't right. I knew it the second we left the park this afternoon.

I had been on a momentary high after Xavier expressed he wanted a relationship. The very thing I had been thinking about consistently for the last few days. I still haven't figured out how to handle things with Gage . But the hidden necklace that Xavier gifted me is a constant reminder that my decision will undoubtedly come with consequences.

Still , after we talked, I could tell there was something else bothering him. His announcement about going to the office seemed out of the blue.

As much as I've grown to trust him, I wasn't able to tame the little voice in my head that questions everything and everyone. I needed to double check. So , I fished for information myself, calling his assistant, and pretended that I needed to see him.

" Hey , Caroline ," I said, keeping my tone pleasant. " I was just wondering how long Xavier is supposed to be at the office today? He forgot his wallet and I was thinking of stopping by, but he's not picking up his phone."

" Oh ? I don't think he's at the office today, sweetheart."

Surprise , surprise. He was lying.

" You're right!" I laugh. " I've got my days all mixed up. Thank you."

There's no way Xavier wouldn't have let her know he was going to the office. Which means he either wasn't being honest about where his destination was, or whatever he's doing there isn't company related. Either way, he lied about it and it doesn't sit right with me.

I mulled it over as I entered his home, changed and got things setup for the movie. Could it have to do with his son? I know he's been keeping up his search, but he hasn't said too much about it since I confirmed I didn't know anyone by the name of Harrison Atwood .

Things only got more suspicious when he walked through the door clutching that brown manila folder like it was his personal life line. I almost outright told him I knew he was being dishonest, but I held my tongue. Maybe he had his reasons, and I was just being overly suspicious.

It's not like trusting men comes easily to me.

But there was something in his tone as we watched and discussed the movie that caught me off guard.

" I guess so. You never really know who or what you're dealing with."

For a moment, it felt like we were no longer talking about a slasher film. It was more personal. Despite my brain telling me I shouldn't do this, I put the popcorn in the microwave and run up the stairs to his office.

Whatever it was that he needed to sneak away to work on today is in there. I'm sure of it.

I open the top two drawers, looking for the folder he had been carrying when he came in, but there's nothing in them except for work documents that mean nothing to me. When I open the third, I see it.

Gently , as if it's a bomb that could go off at any moment, I open the folder. And when I do, I feel my heart drop into my stomach. Laying on top is a photograph of me. I'm walking across the street, coffee in hand, black combat boots on and a leather jacket over my sundress.

The same outfit I had been wearing just a couple of days ago. I push the photo to the side and find a paper with my information clearly marked. My address, place of work, etc. the basic things he already knows. But that's not the part my eyes are glued to. No , what I can't tear my gaze away from is the all-capped, bold letters at the top of the document, spelling out my name.

Fuck .

I press one palm against my forehead and use my other hand to grip the desk with white knuckles.

How do I fix this?

And then, I hear his once comforting voice cutting through the room, cold as ice. " What are you doing, Saoirse ?"

Slowly , I raise my head, and find Xavier leaning against the doorway, his arms crossed as he stares me down. I can't read the emotion on his face.

Anger ? Disappointment ? Humiliation ?

The room begins to spin as his lips tilt up in the faintest of smiles. " What's the matter? Cat got your tongue?"