He leaves then, with Mallory close at his heels. The hideous dress is my first punishment. The abandonment is my second. My third will likely be waiting for me in my apartment, but I won’t find it anytime soon.
I’m on the other side of town, miles from my apartment. My father left with the person who brought me. He intends to make me walk so I can think about my actions, and so he can occupy my thoughts. He didn’t bother leaving me money for a cab or asking if I brought my bus pass. And he knows I don’t have a phone.
He assumes I’m alone.
But I’m not alone.
Curran followed me here.
He shadowed Mallory’s car without her knowing, which is perfect. I don’t want Father to know I’m under surveillance. And if Mallory knew, she’d run and tell him.
Initially, I panicked over how Curran would react following our kiss. Now, I’m panicking over what he’ll say when he realizes Mallory left without me. I don’t want him to know I was dumped like a piece of trash.
I hurry outside, only to have the owner stop me. “Miss, you forgot your dress!”
I groan and wait for her to hand me the oversized box. “Thank you,” I say, although I don’t really mean it.
With the box tucked beneath my arm, I step outside, searching for Curran. Several stores surround the area and the lot is completely full. At first, I can’t find him, and wonder if another patrol took over. My shoulders relax when I see him step out of his dark blue F-150.
“Hi,” I say when I reach him.
He motions to the dress with his chin. “New argyles?” he asks. My expression shatters before I can stop it, erasing Curran’s grin. “Okay. Forget I asked.”
I quickly compose myself, or at least, I try. “I needed a dress. I have a social event to attend next week,” I mutter.
“You mean like a date?”
His question surprises me. “Something like that.”
“With the judge’s law clerk?”
“No.” I frown a little. “Why do you ask?”
He shrugs. “Just curious. He’s the only guy you’ve been with.”
I meet his eyes. “No. Not the only one.”
Curran works his jaw but says nothing. I glance away, trying not to focus on those soft lips. “If it’s not too much trouble, would you mind taking me home?” I ask.
“I was wondering about that, seeing how that lady you came with left you here.”
Oh, boy, here we go. “She’s my stepmother. She had a meeting to attend.”
“With your dad?” He cocks his head when he catches my surprise. “I saw him, Tess. He pulled into the lot less than a minute after you walked into the shop.”
And yet he waited before entering. Not that I’m shocked. My father likes me to think I’m always being watched.
“You okay, Tess?”
I nod, but in truth, I’m not feeling well.
“When did you eat last?” he asks.
“What?”
His frown deepens. “I asked when was the last time you ate?”
“Last night. At dinner.”
“It’s almost two o’clock now.”
I rearrange the large box in my arms. “I don’t typically eat breakfast.”
“This isn’t breakfast, and you’re way past lunch. Why haven’t you eaten?”
I don’t miss the anger in his tone, although I’m not sure where it’s coming from. “I planned to wait until I returned to my apartment.”
“The way you look, you’re not going to make it back to your place.”
I shift uncomfortably. “What’s wrong with the way I look?”
He considers his words. “Nothing. You just look like you could eat, that’s all.” He surprises me by slipping his arm around my shoulders and leading me forward. “Come on. I know this perfect place to get some steaks.”
I try to shift from his hold. “Curran, I can’t. I don’t have any money.”
“I’m not asking you to pay,” he says, like it’s obvious.
He releases me when it occurs to him he’s holding me close. Apparently, it wasn’t a conscious effort. As I watch, he marches toward his truck as if trying to put space between us.
I don’t follow, confused by his actions. “Do you think this is wise?”