Chapter 85

Night deepened as Nathan Evans closed the last file. His phone screen lit up.

Dylan Lowell's voice came through the receiver. "Nate, wanna grab a drink?"

"Sure."

He stood to change clothes. Just as he reached the staircase, keys jingled at the front door.

Chloe Valentine stood in the foyer clutching her backpack. Her gaze locked with his.

Both froze.

"What are you doing here?" Nathan frowned.

"You're going out?" Chloe tightened her grip on the backpack straps.

"Yeah."

She bit her lower lip. "Did I...interrupt something?"

The air turned heavy.

"Last period was gym class..." Her voice trailed off. "After last night...I have some inflammation. Didn't dare go to the school clinic..."

Nathan's eyes dropped to her reddened knees.

"First aid kit's upstairs." He turned toward the steps.

Chloe hurried after him. At the sight of the ointment instructions, her ears burned crimson. "This one...won't work..."

"Then the hospital." He grabbed his jacket.

"No need! Dylan's waiting for you—"

"He can wait." The elevator dinged. "Doctor first."

Her eyes brightened. "Then...can I come with you after?"

"Whatever."

......

In the private hospital corridor, Chloe buried her face in her scarf.

Nathan accepted the medication bag. "Sorry about this."

"I like it." She suddenly looked up, eyes sparkling. "Anything involving you."

His Adam's apple bobbed.

That ridiculous case of mistaken identity had become a thorn in his heart.

"Get in." He opened the driver's side door.

"Huh?"

"Thought you wanted to see Dylan?"

......

Hazy lights pulsed in the private room. Dylan struck a pose before the mirror.

Julian Roscente kicked his shin. "Stop assaulting my eyes."

"Philistine!" Dylan swayed his hips. "This is Paris' hottest new dance move—"

"Where's Nathan?" Julian cut in.

Dylan checked his phone. "Said he's on the way."

"And Ethan?"

"Surgery." Dylan lowered his voice. "No way I'm inviting both at once—"

The door swung open.

Dylan nearly dropped his glass. "Holy shit, why'd you bring—"

Chloe peeked from behind Nathan, waving sweetly.