You Looked Down on Me Once Now You Look Up (Patricia and Oliver) novel Chapter 144

“If I’d known it would end up like this…”

“Tina.” Emerson cut her off, his voice cool and sharp. “Do I really need to remind you how much trouble words can cause?”

Tina’s anger caught in her throat. She flung the ring in her hand into the drawer with a sharp clatter, then stormed off to the bathroom.

Every inch of her was burning with frustration.

The sound of water running filled the room, like her whole life was rushing away too fast.

Water slipped down the drain, winding its way out—

All the way to the river.

Patricia pulled her eyes from the rippling water, just about to turn and get in her car, when she spotted a Rolls-Royce Ghost parked by the curb.

The license plate, 06280, jumped out at her.

At first, it had seemed way too plain for someone like Oliver, who always kept a low profile.

Then Sara explained that 628 was the longitude and latitude of Cloud Peak, and Patricia realized she’d missed something.

“What are you doing here?”

She walked over, but before she could get an answer, Oliver draped his suit jacket over her shoulders.

Like he’d been waiting for her all along.

“Just passing by. Saw you,” Oliver said, pulling the jacket snug around her. “It’s chilly by the river. Are you cold?”

Patricia shook her head. “I’m fine.”

“Had your fill of the view? Want to head home?”

Her face went a little pink. She realized he must have been waiting here a while. “Yeah. Let’s go home.”

Oliver’s hand was gentle on her shoulder as he helped her into the car. He glanced across the street at the row of townhouses, his gaze growing darker, more thoughtful.

“What are you trying to hide from?”

Patricia didn’t say a word. Oliver’s thumb slid slowly up from the base of her thumb, slow and teasing.

“Does it itch here?”

He stopped at her wrist, pressing gently.

Her breath hitched. “No… not there.”

“Then where?” His voice dropped, body leaning in, the shadow of him falling over her so she was trapped between him and the seat.

Patricia knew exactly what he was doing—he was always closing in, whether in life or right now.

He looked like the picture of a gentleman, but underneath it all, Oliver was relentless.

She didn’t answer. He tilted his head, his breath warm against her ear. “Not going to tell me? Then I’ll just have to find out myself.”