Chapter 0142
Any doubts I had about Dylan being comfortable in the chaotic apartment belonging to Maria, Megan, Rachel, and their two other roommates flew out the window the minute he walked into the place.
He didn’t so much as bat an eye at the dishes in the sink, or the make–up palettes left on almost every surface, or even the drying bras hanging from the ceiling fan. He just smiled like he always did, ever in his own element.
The only thing in the room that put a tiny falter in that smile was me.
I had to fix this relationship somehow, I knew that. But everything was so complicated, and I didn’t know how I felt at the moment. Everything was so messy.
He looked at me as if he was studying me. “You okay?”
“Not really,” I admitted. “But… I’ll feel better when this is resolved.”
Dylan placed his hand on my shoulder. “We’ll figure this out.” His smile added teeth. “There’s no problem I
can’t fix.”
“Thank you,” I told him, and led him inside.
Megan had hidden the pizza rolls away and changed into some nice clothes. “Hello,” she said to Dylan, looking at him like she might want to eat him,
“Nice to see you,” Dylan said, and Megan blushed. He nodded at Maria next, “Maria, right? Good to see you again.” Maria blushed too.
I clapped my hands, bringing everyone’s attention back to me before the other girls could swoon themselves into a coma or something.
“Let’s focus,” I said. “We need to cement the plan!”
For the next two hours, we brainstorm how to bust into Elena’s computer without her knowledge. We even eventually bring Mike in on speakerphone to talk about what he needs to gain access.
Even with Dylan as distraction, it would take Mike too long to break into her system if she decides to put the computer asleep before walking off. And since Elena will likely be on alert, she’s certain to lock her system up.
We needed a way to get the computer into Mike’s hands for longer. The best way to do it?
“A virus,” Mike suggested. “Nothing dangerous. It will just lock up her computer and she’ll be forced to
call in IT.”
IT means you, I hope,” Maria said.
“You know it, babe,” Mike replied. Maria worried her bottom lip and looked down. Megan grinned at her.
“That could work,” Dylan said, considering.
“I’ll give you a thumb–drive in the moming.” Mike said. “You just have to put it in the port and let it work its magic.”
“I can do that,” Maria said, “While Dylan distracts Elena”
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Chapter 0142
Dylan saluted. “Sounds like it’s decided then.”
It did. I just hated that there wasn’t anything I could personally do. While grateful for the help of my friends, I wanted to be able to contribute.
Dylan’s eyes met mine. “We’ll get you your job back, Hazel.”
A little while later, I walked Dylan to the door. Our plans were set, and it was getting late. I was going to crash on Maria’s couch, but Dylan had to be getting home.
I saw Dylan out into the hallway, where he turned to me.
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“I really appreciate your help,” I said.
“I know you do,” he replied. The awkwardness I had been expecting fell around us now. So much had happened between us. I wanted to repair things, but it felt as if a simply apology might not be enough. Dylan, listen –”
“You don’t have to say anything.” Dylan said. “We’ll talk when you have less on your plate, yeah? We’ll get you your job back, then we can sit down and clear everything up.
Relief flooded through me. Dylan was a good guy. Handsome, too.
I
Such a fool for waffling with my feelings for him. Everything was so overwhelming though. That kiss with Logan put a fog in my brain that I couldn’t quite clear.
“Goodnight, Haze,” Dylan said and walked away.