Chapter 10

I cough again to clear my throat and gently grasp Elliot's lingering hand.

This can't be happening.

"Likewise," I force the word out, giving him a weak smile.

"Right, should we get started?" Julia claps her hands together, the sound causes my rigid rigid body to flinch. "Kristine has set out some of our files in front of your seats." She motions to the conference table.

Brian sits down opposite Julia; Elliot placed directly across from me. I force myself into my chair, not taking my eyes off of him. I feel my face flush with warmth before settling in my cheeks and I take in short silent breaths.

Elliot and Brian remove items from their bags, placing computers down on the table beside their notepads and pens. I watch Elliot's movements, as if it's all happening in slow motion. He's in a navy suit, his muscular arms defined through the sleeves. Under the suit jacket, he's wearing a white collared shirt and patterned tie. Elliot's brown hair is casually slicked along the sides of his