"Do you know how long Miss Loxley plans to stay at tonight's event?" Eric asked, breaking Van's brief moment of recollection.

That memory was hardly innocent. While it had a platonic ending, the chaotic process in between left his throat tight.

He unbuttoned a collar button. "I'll pick her up at nine tonight. For now, let's head to the office."

Eric, sharp as ever, knew the office stop was incidental since the company building was closer to the venue. He advised, "You've ...