Heartless: Episode #2 Read Online Free Page B

like her.”
    “I know.”
    “A lot,” I added for emphasis.
    “I’m aware.”
    “So, what do I do?”
    “Send more roses,” he said with another guttural laugh.
    “I already did.”
    “Fuck, Daniel. I was joking.”
    “Either be helpful, or get the fuck out.” I glared at him, but it was no use. Trying to stay mad at James was like trying to stay mad at a puppy. It just wasn’t possible.
    “Don’t get pissy. Let me have my fun. I’ve never seen you like this before, all riled up over a girl.”
    “Well, enjoy it while it lasts.”
    “You plan on getting over her soon?”
    “Fuck no. I plan on getting under her—among other things.” I smirked.

6.
    ELIZABETH 
     
    Barbara knocked on my open office door before waltzing in, carrying another vase spilling over with all white roses.
    “My God,” my voice breathed out at the sight of them.
    I wasn’t sure what it was about white roses, but when the first bouquet from Daniel had arrived, I had decided that they were my new favorite flower. I had also agreed that any lingering anger from the night before was officially gone as of this moment. It’d all stemmed from my ego and pride anyway.
    “Seriously, Elizabeth, if you don’t marry this man, can I?” She placed the vase on top of the drawer of files behind my desk.
    Spinning my chair around, I reached for the card, wondering what it would say this time.
    All I see is you.
    I swooned, out loud, before handing the card to Barbara to read.
    “You should probably at least call him this time to thank him.”
    “You’re so helpful.”
    “I’m here all week.” She winked and closed my office door, leaving me alone.
    It was her subtle way of telling me what to do.
    Staring at my cell phone, I debated between sending him a text or calling him. Texting seemed too impersonal at this point, but after our phone call this morning, I wasn’t sure how much more of his words I could take hearing.
    Fuck it.
    I dialed his cell phone number and held my breath with each ring.
    “Elizabeth,” he breathed my name into the phone.
    Part of me melted into my chair. “Thank you for the roses, Daniel.”
    He laughed slightly. “I’m impressed.”
    “Why’s that?”
    “You actually called me the day you got them this time. Unless…” He stopped mid-thought.
    “Unless what?”
    “Unless you only called me so that I wouldn’t show up at your work again. Are you trying to keep me away from you?”
    It was my turn to laugh. “No,” I admitted honestly.
    “Good. Have dinner with me tonight then,” he said.
    My breath caught in my throat. “Tonight? Where?” I started looking at the door as if he’d bust through it again at any moment.
    “At The Penthouse.”
    “In The Huntley Hotel?” I wondered.
    “You’re familiar with it?” he asked, his tone delightfully surprised.
    “Of course.”
    The Penthouse was one of my favorite restaurants to entertain in Santa Monica. It was eighteen stories up and had the most incredible view of the coastline on one side and the city on the other. Not to mention, the food and atmosphere were amazing.
    “It’s beautiful there,” I added.
    “It’s a date. I’ll pick you up at seven.”
    I sucked in a quick breath. “Actually, I’ll just meet you there. You know I live only a few blocks away. It will just be easier.” After last night, I wasn’t ready for any more home-related expectations.
    “Have it your way.” He didn’t fight me on it, which surprised me. “See you tonight.”
    He ended the call.
    Oh my gosh, I had just agreed to a real-life date with someone and not just any someone—him .
    Please don’t break my heart. Please don’t break my heart , I silently prayed to the gods above, hoping like hell they were listening.
     
    ****
     
    I stepped into the lobby of the hotel, my red dress inching higher with each stride. Grabbing the bottom of it, I gave it one final tug, willing it to stay put against my thighs. He came into view, and he looked