Chapter 32. Old Friend

Hermes POV

I sigh in relief when I see she’s not at her desk. Maybe she’s done cleaning the mess in my office.

Good. I can avoid looking at her. I don’t need to remind myself what I just did to her imaginary self.

I slip inside, heading straight to the bathroom, then scrub my hands like I’m erasing evidence.

I sit down, try to breathe. I can handle this. I can definitely handle seeing her.

My gaze drifts up, and through the open blinds, our eyes meet.

Fuck.

I can’t handle this. I shoot to my feet and drag the blinds closed, pulling a breath through my teeth.

I can’t look at her face, so I bury myself in work. I scroll through my schedule.

Great—Checkers is supposed to be here any minute, hopefully with good news.

As I skim the next appointment, my phone lights up.

Checkers: Hi. I can’t come. We have to keep it discreet, so Charlotte is coming instead.

My eyes flick to the message again. Lottie? Oh wow.