The Man Who Never Looked Away novel Chapter 61

Lavinia Joplin took a quick shower when she got home and changed into comfortable clothes. As she headed downstairs, she spotted Charley Sheffield from a distance, waiting for her with his dog on a leash.

When Nemo saw her, his tail wagged like a helicopter rotor, pulling so hard he nearly yanked the leash out of Charley's grip.

There was a small hill with a walking trail behind the Arden Estate. The two of them slowly made their way up the gentle stone steps. Nemo ran ahead, occasionally looking back to wait for them, holding the leash in his mouth as if afraid they would get lost.

Lavinia was distracted, wondering how tonight's mess would end.

The Jensen family was Duncan Judd's major client. Offending the heir probably meant losing the account. She didn't have the face to keep working for Duncan after this.

But resigning in disgrace like this? She just couldn't accept it.

Lost in thought, her foot slipped, and she stumbled forward.

A strong hand firmly caught her. She instinctively grabbed his arm, feeling the solid muscle beneath the fabric.

She looked up. Charley was looking down at her, his gaze heavy and intense.

The night wind blew down from the top of the hill, carrying the scent of grass and trees. Nemo stopped ahead and tilted his head at them.

Her heart skipped a beat. Maybe it was just from the scare.

"Are you okay?"

"I'm fine."

He didn't let go immediately, making sure she was steady before releasing his grip. His fingertips lingered on her arm for a fraction of a second, as if he wanted to say something, but he swallowed it back.

At the top of the hill sat a small gazebo. They sat down to rest while Nemo laid panting on the ground, his tongue hanging out.

The city lights spread out beneath their feet, twinkling like scattered glass. The office buildings in the distance were still illuminated, and the nearby roads were woven with traffic. This city never slept.

Looking out at the sea of lights, Lavinia suddenly felt the weight in her chest lighten.

"Charley," she began.

"Yeah?"

"When I was in middle school, I was walking home late once and got followed by some punks. A guy wearing a mask fought off six of them by himself and saved me."

Charley didn't say anything.

Duncan paused, then laughed. "What kind of nonsense is that? Leveraging connections is exactly how you navigate the professional world."

Lavinia didn't argue. She placed the coffee on his desk. "I'm sorry for the trouble I caused yesterday."

Duncan waved it off. "I've seen every type of character in the business world. Don't let it get to you."

He hesitated.

"I've set up another dinner tonight and asked Yumi to go. We'll see if she can smooth things over with Tobin Jensen."

Lavinia froze. Duncan knew exactly what kind of sleazebag Tobin was, yet he still sent Yumi Sawyer. She opened her mouth to object, but then closed it.

Right before she got off work, Charley called, saying Nemo wasn't feeling well and asking if she knew a good vet.

Lavinia told him she had to accompany a colleague to a dinner and would call him back later.

"What dinner?" Charley asked.

Lavinia hesitated, then explained she wasn't comfortable letting Yumi go to dinner with Tobin alone. She was going to wait nearby just in case Yumi needed help.