Chapter Twelve
Kenzie
“Wyatt, seriously?” I exclaimed as he led me up a few stairs, or at least I hoped they were stairs.
Wyatt had decided it would be funny to tie a blindfold over my eyes as we arrived at his condo. Why he insisted on it, I had no idea. He had already told me about his condo, but I guess he wanted to keep it a secret until we actually arrived. He had led me out of his car, and guided me every step of the way, which was kind of like a weird trust exercise, I suppose.
“Okay, we’re here.”
“I kind of figured that,” I muttered and crossed my arms.
“Are you in a mood?”
“No,”
“Good, because you can’t be in a mood when you’ll have this view for the whole weekend,” he said and took off the blindfold.
At first, I was momentarily blinded by the brightness of everything that I couldn't distinguish between anything that was in front of me, but as my eyes adjusted, I simply stared out in front of me.
We stood on a wooden balcony with white painted wooden railings and in front of me was the most beautiful view of the ocean I had ever seen in my entire life. The light sand looked warm and inviting, and the bright blue waves crashed lazily over the sand. The sky was clear, and the warm summer’s breeze caressed my face. The air was clean and fresh and I felt myself relax. This was paradise.
“This is amazing,” I breathed and looked at him.
“Do you like it?”
“I can see why this is your sweet escape.”
“I love it here, actually.”
“And I’m really the first girlfriend you have ever brought here?” I asked and turned to him.
He gazed out at the beautiful view and leaned against the wooden railing. “Actually you are the first person that I have ever brought here.”
“Really?”
“Like I said, Kenzie, this is my escape.”
“So why did you bring me?”
“Because you belong here with me,” he answered.
My heart completely melted at that moment and I put my arms around his shoulders. He wrapped his arms around my waist and leaned in to kiss me. I let out a satisfied groan and looked up at him.
“I think we should go unpack,” I said with a naughty grin and raised an eyebrow.
“I was thinking we could go to the beach.”
“We already are at the beach,” I said with the same grin on my face. “But let’s go unpack.”
“What is your fascination with unpacking-”
He immediately stopped talking when I ran my hands down his stomach and slipped my fingers into his front pockets.
“Oh, that kind of unpacking.”
“That took you a while to catch on.”
“You forget that I am socially awkward.”
“You’re not. You’re perfect, just the way you are,” I said, grabbed his shirt and walked backward back into the house. Conveniently, we were already in the bedroom and we fell down on the soft bed.
An hour later, I lay on my side and looked into Wyatt’s eyes. We had just had an amazing time between the sheets, and I had not felt this relaxed in a very long time.
“Tell me what you’re thinking,” he said all of a sudden.
“I’m thinking that I don't want to go home, ever. This place is perfect.”
“I thought so too, until this moment. You make it complete. You make me complete.”
I chuckled and brought my hand up to his face. “I never thought that I could feel this way about someone, especially someone like you. You are so different, but I love it. I love you.”
He pushed himself up on his elbows and kissed me swiftly on the lips. “I’m going to take a shower and then we can do whatever you want to do.”
“Can we just get takeout and spend the whole night in bed?”
“That sounds great actually.”
He stood up and I frowned at him. “Where are you going?”
“I told you, I’m going to shower.”
“Do you need some company?”
He smirked and shook his head. “I think I’ll survive.”
“Just shout if you’re lonely,” I called out as he entered the bathroom.
“I will,” he chuckled.
I rolled onto my back and closed my eyes. The sound of the waves crashing on the shore in the background made me smile and I sighed happily. I understood why this place was Wyatt’s getaway. It was quiet, peaceful and beautiful. I opened my eyes when the Wyatt switched off the water of the shower and I slowly sat up. I noticed the walls were painted a soft blue color, almost like the color of the ocean, and all the furniture was white, or whitewashed.
Wyatt came out from the bathroom, his hair still wet and wrapped in a towel.
“Looking good,” I said and whistled at him.
He rolled his eyes at me, and I noticed he had a shy smile on his face.
“Let me go shower, then you can get dressed in peace,” I said as I slid off the bed, wrapped in a sheet.
“Have fun,” he said to me and kissed me on the lips.
The hot water felt incredible on my skin and I just stood motionless in the shower. I heard Wyatt go downstairs – everything was wood in this place, so I could hear his footsteps wherever he went in the house – and I finished my shower. I stepped back into the bedroom, wrapped in a fluffy white towel, and noticed an outfit neatly laid out on the bed.
It was one of my favorite dresses, and I was rather impressed that he had picked it out. I quickly got dressed, braided my hair into a messy fishtail braid and applied natural makeup. I didn't want to lather in the makeup, I was at the beach after all. I slipped on my shoes and went downstairs. The rest of the house was gorgeous as well, but the things I like most about it were the denim colored sofas in the living area and the high ceilings. It appealed to me in a way that I never thought it would. The entire house was amazing, and all the bedrooms led out to the wooden deck at the back of the house, with a clear view of the ocean. The deck had stairs on the one side leading directly onto the beach.
Pure paradise.
Wyatt stood in the kitchen drinking a glass of water, wearing a white t-shirt, and cream colored shorts, looking refreshed and happy; the same way I felt looking at him.
We drove to a small restaurant in Rosemary Beach, just a short drive away, and ordered food for later tonight. I was too much in a vacation mood to even think about cooking, and Wyatt noticed it. The good thing about Wyatt was that he picked up on my cues very quickly, which was equally strange and appreciated. People saw me as a very unpredictable person, and I absolutely was, but Wyatt, strangely enough, saw right through that and knew me better than anyone. I shouldn’t be surprised, really, as his attention to detail was much more refined than mine, or than anyone's.
We went back to the beach house and just had a relaxing day. We watched the sunset from the balcony and just spent the whole evening talking. Wyatt even tried to teach me how to play chess, but that was a bad idea.
The next morning I made us breakfast, which was great, and later we brought two loungers down to the beach and just laid there in the sun.
It was great.
“Can I ask you something?” he asked me.
“Sure,” I answered as I wiggled my toes and stretched out my legs.
The sun was warm on my skin and my entire body relaxed for the first time in a very long time.
“Well...” His voice trailed and I opened my eyes, glancing over at him.
He was seated upright, turned towards me and he had a weird look on his face. “What is it?”
He glanced briefly at his hands and I frowned. I sat upright and swung my legs over so that I sat facing him. “Wyatt?”
“I...”
“You look like you’re about to throw up or propose,” I said with a laugh and he looked at me. My heart suddenly stopped for a moment and I looked at him with wide eyes. “You’re not proposing, are you?”
“What? No. I mean, no.”
“Okay, good.”
“That’s not what I wanted to ask you, but now that’s all I can think about.”
“You are?”
“It wasn't my intention, but...”
I frowned and took my sunglasses off my face. “Are you really thinking about that?”
“What?”
“Proposing.”
“Are you?”
“I wouldn't propose to you.”
“That’s not what I meant.”
“Just answer my question. Have you thought about it?”
“Now, or before?”
“Both.”
“Yes, because I know you’re the one.”
Oh my god. I’ve never heard anyone say that about me, to my face before. A small smile ran across my lips and I leaned forward to kiss him. Just before our lips touched, I whispered softly against his lips, “I love you, Wyatt Pearce.”
“I love you too,” he whispered in return and I kissed him.
Wyatt
Whatever the hell I wanted to ask her was completely forgotten; it melted away as she kissed me. It was true about her being the One though. I knew it from the moment that she looked at me the night that we had our first kiss, albeit a drunken kiss, but it wasn't a mistake. It happened because it was supposed to happen. Wow, I sounded just like Kenzie. Maybe parts of her were rubbing off on me. It wasn't a bad thing because I loved every part of her, even her impulsive, and emotional parts.
“What did you want to ask me?” she breathed against my lips.
“I have no clue,” I whispered in return.
She giggled and ran her fingers through my hair. “As soon as you remember, let me know.”
“Yes, dear,” I answered jokingly.
She lay back down in the lounger and closed her eyes. She reached her hand out to me and sighed. “I can’t believe we have to go back home tomorrow.”
“Would you rather stay here?”
“Absolutely. This place is amazing,” she sighed again.
“I used to think so too, but, with you here, it’s even more perfect.”
She opened her eyes and looked at me. “You always know just what to say, don’t you?”
“Not always, but when it feels right, I do, I guess.”
“It feels right because it is,” she said with a smile and I ran my fingers along her palm. “Can we stay here?”
“Forever?”
“Yes. I’ll quit my job, and we can just move here.”
“What about my job?”
“You can work from home.”
“No, I can’t.”
“I sat what you do all day at the office. You can video call your clients.”
“I wish I could,” I sighed. “But...”
“I know. We’re adults, and we have responsibilities. I get it.”
“Sorry to rain on your parade.”
“Yeah, well, you wouldn't be the first,” she sighed but then looked at me with a frown. “I’m sorry, I didn't mean it like that.”
“It’s fine,” I answered and sat back in my lounger. “It wouldn't be the first time someone said that to me either.”
“I said I was sorry,” she said as she sat up and turned to me. “I wasn't comparing you to them.”
“It felt like it.”
“Well, it was not my intention. I would never compare you to any one of my exes. They don’t even come close to you.”
“Really?”
“Why are you being like this?”
I sat up and walked towards the water.
“Where are you going?” she asked.
“I’m going for a swim.”
“Wyatt, wait.”
I didn't. I just needed a few minutes to myself, and the ocean was the only place I knew she would not follow.
“Just give me a few minutes, I’ll be fine,” I said to her and continued to walk.
I hated being compared to other people, especially when I was nothing like them. She may not have meant it that way, but it still hurt my feelings a little.
A few minutes later, after I cooled myself off in the water, I walked back to where I left Kenzie, but she wasn't there. I saw her inside the main bedroom, and I walked to the foot of the wooden stairs, where there was a small outdoor shower. I rinsed myself off and proceeded up the steps. I heard her voice and at first, I thought she was talking to herself, but then I realized she was on the phone. I reached the top of the stairs and stood out on the balcony, firstly, not wanting to get water everywhere, and secondly not walk in on her having a conversation.
“Yes, Mom,” I heard her say and I looked out at the beach below me. The sun was shining brightly and it took almost no time at all until I was almost completely dry.
After her conversation ended, she stepped out onto the deck and crossed her arms at me. “That was my mom.”
“Is everything okay?” I asked.
“I should ask you that,” she answered.
“I’m fine.”
“Good.”
I stepped towards her and sighed. “I’m sorry, okay. I just felt a little wounded and I needed a few minutes.”
“So you went to the one place you knew I couldn't follow you too. That’s a bit cold.”
“I know, and it was insensitive of me.”
“I really didn't compare you to any of my exes, Wyatt, and if it came off that way, I am so sorry. I just meant that in general. I would never compare you to them. Like I said, you are in a totally different league than they were.”
“I know,” I said with a nod and she put her arms around my waist. “I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay, I just felt like an idiot sitting there by myself, so I just came inside. I’m not upset that you went for a swim, you could have just been a bit more tactful and considerate.”
“Yeah, I should really work on that.”
“You’re doing pretty well, I’d say.”
She looked up at me and I brushed her hair off her face. “I love you, Kenzie.”
“I love you too.”
Kenzie
The weekend was over way too soon according to me, and Miami just wasn't the same after that weekend. My heart still longed for the quiet ambiance of Santa Rosa Beach, but Wyatt promised that we’d go there again soon. Work was infuriating me, not because I lacked the focus that I usually had, but I had the most horrendous headache anyone could possibly imagine. Not your normal run of the mill pain, but a throbbing, infuriating, and downright homicidal pain. I didn't want to exaggerate, but Hades probably personally sent this headache up from the Underworld. Dolores and most of my co-workers for that matter stayed out of my way, and I was thankful for that.
I was making notes in my diary to ensure that all my work was up to date, as our family trip to Virginia was just a few days away, and I didn't want to be bothered by, or with, work during that trip.
I still had a few minor details to arrange with Wyatt, upon his insistence of course. He laid out a timeline for that day, regarding flights and all that, which I found completely redundant, but I let him have it. I wanted him to be at ease as much as possible, especially since Dillon was coming along.
That was going to be a tough flight, so I suggested that Wyatt and I sit away from him, but Wyatt insisted that things were fine. I didn't even run this passed Dillon because I knew what he’d say.
It was still weird for me that Dillon still hated him after all theses years. There had to be something else that they’re not telling me, right? Or was I being completely paranoid, and just needed to chill the fuck out?
Maybe.
Still, I wondered.
There was a knock on my door just after lunch time, although I had already eaten my lunch before ten o’clock, but anyway.
“I’m busy,” I called out as I checked our flights for the millionth time. Wyatt had messaged me ten minutes ago to send him the details, but I still hadn’t gotten around to it.
The door opened, regardless of the fact that I said I was busy, and I didn't even bother looking up.
“Jess, I am busy...” I said again and pressed the ‘Print screen’ button on my keyboard.
“Hey.”
I glanced up abruptly and frowned at my brother standing in my office. “What are you doing here, Dillon?”
“I needed to talk to you.”
“Now you want to talk.”
“This is really important.”
“I don't care, I’m busy. I have so much to do before the weekend, and Wyatt is on my neck about the flight details, and my head is just spinning off into another dimension.”
“I can see that.”
I sighed and ran my fingers through my hair. “What do you want?”
“There is something that you should know about Wyatt Pearce.”
“Dillon, I don't have time for this, okay. you’ve made your feelings about Wyatt pretty clear when you practically threatened him at Mom and Dad’s house,” I said to him.
“Macky-”
“What is your problem with him?”
“He got rich off my idea.”
“What?” I gasped.
“I came up with the business idea, and he stole it.”
“No, that can’t be true. He wouldn't do something like that.”
“Are you calling me, your own brother, a liar?”
“You’ve been called worse.”
“You’re a real bitch.”
“Fuck you, Dillon.”
“Don’t you see what he’s doing? He’s trying to make himself look great, but he’s not.”
“No, Wyatt knows nothing about computers, and whatever it is that his company does. He deals with the paperwork and the contracts. He doesn't know about the technical stuff,” I stuttered. “You’re wrong about this. He would never do that.”
“You don't know him like I did.”
“And you don’t know him like I do,” I said and stood up from my chair.
“Of course, you would say that. You’re sleeping with a billionaire, why would you care.”
“It’s not like that. I love him.”
“Yeah, right. If he didn't have his fancy beach house or his expensive cars, would you still be in love with him?”
“Of course I would! I am not that shallow.”
“Admit it. If he were just another guy, you wouldn't even take a second glance.”
“You don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Of course I do,” He said and placed a large envelope on my desk. “Look inside.
“What is it?”
“It’s paperwork to prove I’m not lying.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Wyatt Pearce and his brother, patented their business plan a year after I developed the software that they are currently using.”
I grabbed the file and took out the documents inside. “I have no idea what these mean, Dillon.”
“They’re using my program, Kenzie. Wyatt and Calvin Pearce are getting richer and richer by the day, off my idea.”
I flipped through the pages and stopped at a printout of his banking statement. “What is this?”
“What?”
“He paid you a hundred thousand dollars? For what?”
“To keep my mouth shut.”
“No, this is...” I stuttered. This wasn't true, yet I was staring at the proof right there in my hands. Wyatt paid a hundred thousand dollars into Dillon’s account four years ago, which was at the time when his company went international. Did he feel guilty for stealing Dillon’s idea, or was it really to shut Dillon up? And why only a hundred thousand? Why not more? Their company was worth billions of dollars.
“No.”
“Macky, it’s true.”
“I don’t get it. This is just wrong somehow.”
“Of course it’s wrong. He stole my idea and when it was a huge success, he paid me that money to shut me up.”
“Why only a hundred thousand? Their company is worth much more than that.”
“It was the amount we agreed on.”
“And you were happy with it?”
“It was all he was willing to offer.”
“No, this can’t be true.”
“Why would I lie to you?”
I shrugged because I didn't have an answer. “I don't know.”
“I just wanted you to know the type of guy that he is. I’m your brother, Macky, and I am supposed to look out for you.”
“Right,” I said and felt my eyes fill up with tears.
“I’m sorry.”
I pursed my lips and watched as he left my office and I sat back down in my chair. This couldn't be true, could it? Wyatt wouldn't lie to me about this.
Maybe it was the surge of hormones in my body – I’m pretty sure it was – that made me more angry and upset that I was supposed to be, but I grabbed my phone, the documents Dillon had brought me, and my car keys, bolted out my office and drove to Wyatt’s work.
My heart pounded in my chest as the elevator doors opened and I walked into Pearce Data Storers.
“Afternoon, Kenzie,” Hannah greeted me with a smile.
“Hey, is Wyatt in?”
“Yes, he and Calvin are just in his office-”
I didn't even wait for her to finish and I walked passed her desk to Wyatt’s office. I opened his office door and he and Calvin glanced at me with slightly surprised expressions.
“Hey you,” Wyatt said with a smile.
“Hey, Kenzie. Looking good as always,” Calvin smiled as well.
“Can I talk to you for a minute?” I asked Wyatt, ignoring Calvin, which wasn’t very polite, but polite went out the window about twenty minutes ago.
“I’ll just go check something with Hannah,” Calvin said and retreated out of the office.
“Is everything okay? How is your headache?” he asked and walked towards me.
“Throbbing, actually. Dillon was at my office earlier. He gave me this,” I said as I handed him the documents.
Wyatt glanced at them, looking equally as confused as I had been when I looked at them. “What are these?”
“Dillon told me about the business idea,” I said and crossed my arms. “And the money.”
Wyatt looked at me and his eyes widened slightly. “He did.”
“Is it true?”
“Kenzie, I-”
“Wyatt, just answer the question, please.”
“Yes, but it’s not what you think.”
“Oh my god. He was right,” I gasped. “Why didn't you tell me, Wyatt?
“Because I didn't think that it would matter.”
“If doesn't, but you still kept it from me. I had to find out from my brother.”
“I’m sorry, Kenz.”
“I had to hear things about my boyfriend from my brother. Things that I didn't even know, and you didn't bother to tell me because you thought that it didn't matter. To me, it just feels like I didn't matter enough for you to tell me.”
“That’s not true. I didn't...”
“You didn't what?”
“I didn't want you to think that I was the bad guy.”
“You lied to me, Wyatt, so you are the bad guy. I told you everything about me. Even the things I never told anyone else. Not even Sophia knows that I can’t swim!”
“Kenzie, I didn't lie...”
“Then what is that, huh?” I pointed to the documents in his hands.
He looked them over and frowned at me. “I don't even know what these are.”
“You know exactly what they are.”
“Now, Kenzie listen to me. I didn't think that Dillon would be so bitter about it.”
“Are you kidding me? You stole his idea.”
“What?”
“That’s what that is; the idea that you stole from Dillon. The idea that made you rich.”
“Kenz, what are you talking about? That wasn't his idea. It was mine.”
“Yeah, you would say that, but the dates show it. He designed that program a year before you stole it from him. And to stop him from saying anything, you paid him with a hundred thousand dollars!”
“Kenzie, you have it all wrong-”
“I trusted you when you said that you are incapable of lying. For someone who supposedly does not lie, you did a great job of it,” I said and spun around. “I am so done with this. All of this.”
“Kenzie, wait,” he called out to me, but I didn't wait. I stormed out of his office, not looking back.
I was done.
Completely done.
Wyatt
I had no idea what had just happened. Kenzie stormed out of my office, and I had no idea why. I glanced down at the documents she handed to me, but I still didn't know what all those numbers meant. I looked through the stack of papers and noticed the official registration papers of Pearce Data Storers.
“What the hell did you say to her?” Calvin suddenly asked and I glanced up at him.
“Come take a look at this,” I said and he walked over to me. I handed him the documents and he frowned.
“What are they?”
“I honestly have no idea.”
Calvin studied the documents and frowned. “Where did she get this?”
“Her brother.”
“How the hell does he know about this?”
“Do you remember Dillon from high school?”
“He was your best friend, Wyatt. Of course, I remember him. He was with you on the hockey team. He took your spot on the team when you injured your hand.”
“That’s Kenzie’s brother.”
“What?”
“Yeah.”
Calvin frowned and looked at me. “But he said her name was Maggie.”
“No, Macky, as in MacKenzie.”
“Holy shit.”
“Yeah, I was surprised too,” I admitted. “Kenzie thinks that the business idea was Dillon’s and that we stole it from him.”
“Why the fuck would she think that?” he exclaimed. “This is forged. There is no way that he can claim this as his own. I designed this. I have proof. This was copied and the dates were changed. This is not real, Wyatt.”
I narrowed my eyes slightly at him and pursed my lips.
“I know I come off as a scumbag, but I would never lie to you about this. I developed this myself after you came to me with this idea. I put this in motion. You gave me the idea and I ran with it. I never discussed a program with you, because you don't know anything about this kind of stuff,” he said. “No offense.”
“None taken. I know absolutely nothing about your software development or any for that matter.”
“Exactly. He’s lying, because he missed out on a great opportunity, and now he wants to get back at you the only way he knows how.
“Through Kenzie.”
“Exactly,” Calvin said and shook his head. He glanced down at the papers and frowned again. “And this?”
“What?”
“A hundred thousand dollar payment to Dillon’s account.”
“That was me.”
“Why did you pay him?”
“When the company went international, I felt bad and...”
“You paid him a hundred thousand dollars because you felt bad?”
“I was in a bit of a slump because Cara had just left me and Mom suggested I do something I wouldn't normally do to restore some Karma or whatever bullshit.”
“So you paid him a hundred thousand dollars?” Calvin exclaimed.
“Yeah.”
“Do you even know what this is going to look like?”
“Yeah, I know.”
“It’s going to look like you paid him to keep his mouth shut.”
“I know, Calvin. What do you want me to say?”
“I don’t want you to say or do anything. We have to fix this.”
I nodded and clenched my jaw. “What do I do?”
It was unheard of asking Calvin for advice, but I honestly didn't know what to do.
“First of all, I’ll print out the original plans, with the original dates and-”
“No, that’s not what I meant.”
“She doesn't believe you, does she?”
“No. That’s why she stormed out of here.”
“Why didn't you go after her?”
“Did you see how mad she was?
Calvin nodded and ran his fingers through his hair.
“As much as love her, Calvin, I am not the only one who is wrong here. Dillon is lying and he will stop at nothing to get back at me. Now he is using all of this against me”
“It was his own fault, Wyatt. He said no.”
“I know, but I’m not going to be the type of guy who makes her choose between me and her family.”
“You’re giving her up?”
“No, I’m just letting her cool down. She’s insanely angry at the moment and I can’t reason with her when she’s like this.”
“You’ve seen her this angry before?” Calvin asked and frowned at me.
“Only once, and it didn't end well,” I answered, but quickly corrected myself. “Or it would have ended badly.”
“What happened?”
“She was driving and someone cut in front of her, and she just kind of lost it.”
“Wow, okay. Road rage much?”
“I thought I was bad,” Calvin muttered.
I raised my eyebrows and sighed.
“So what happens now?” Calvin asked.
“I doubt Dillon will take this any further because he doesn't have a leg on stand on. These will never hold up in court if this is the only so-called proof he has. The company is not in jeopardy, so. The bank statement is another story, but there was no telephonic correspondence between me and Dillon discussing it, so it won’t be counted as hush money, right?”
“I wasn't talking about all this,” Calvin said and motioned to the paperwork. “I was talking about you and Kenzie.”
“Like I said, she just needs to cool off.”
“Can I give you some advice?”
“If you want to.”
“Kenzie is a great girl. Don’t screw this up.”
“That was not helpful at all.” I turned away, picked up my phone and dialed the legal department.
“Good afternoon, Mr. Pearce.”
“Is Geoff available?”
“He’s not back from lunch yet, sir. Can I ask him to call you back?”
“Please. It’s urgent.”
“I will have him call you as soon as he gets in.”
I placed the phone back on the unit and glanced at Calvin, who had a strange look on his face.
“What?” I asked him.
“Nothing,” he answered and walked to the door. “I’ll go find my original plans. They have to be somewhere.”
“Check with the patent offices as well. They should have a copy with the dates and everything.”
“Will do.”
Calvin left my office and I sat down in my chair, hoping that Kenzie would not believe this ridiculous story her brother told her. I ran my fingers through my hair and sighed. I dialed Kenzie’s number and it rang a few times, but she didn't answer. She was probably too pissed to even talk to me.
Three days passed, and she still wouldn't return my calls or any of my messages. I was beginning to get frustrated with the silent treatment and tried one last time. I wasn't going to beg her to be with me, but the least she could do was return my call. I was finishing off an email, and once I hit send, I dialed her number.
"What do you want, Wyatt?"
"Will you just listen to me, please?" I stuttered, as I didn't expect her to actually answer.
"No."
“I didn't lie to you, Kenzie. Your brother is the one who is, and I can prove it.”
“You are so full of shit.”
“Can we go somewhere to talk?”
“I can’t. I’m at the airport right now, with my family. We’re leaving for Virginia.”
Oh shit. I completely forgot about that. I was too busy figuring out a way to make sure that everything was set in case Dillon decided to formally accuse us of stealing his idea and/or bribing him to keep his mouth shut about the entire thing, that I completely lost track of time. I was supposed to be there with her at the airport. We were supposed to sit together, travel to Virginia for the weekend with her family, but here I was, sitting alone in the conference room, awaiting another meeting with the legal department, as well as the shareholders to discuss this whole issue with Dillon.
“Right,” was all I could say.
“I have to go. Our flight is boarding.”
“Kenzie?”
“What is it?”
“I’m sorry.”
“So am I.”
And the call ended.
I stared at my phone in my hand and let out a miserable sigh.
It was quiet inside the conference room for a few minutes, until the shareholders started to arrive. Within fifteen minutes, the meeting was underway. Surprisingly enough, Calvin took the lead on the meeting, knowing that I wasn't in much of a state to handle it by myself.
I listened as he discussed how Dillon had no actual evidence to support his claims and that Calvin doubts that this will even become official.
“How did you come across this information, Mr. Pearce?” Karen Mongor, one of our shareholders asked.
“Wyatt knows Mr. Morris’s sister.”
“And did he know this all along?”
“I only recently found out about it,” I muttered.
“Has love made you so blissfully unaware that you are willing to allow your company to be jeopardized?” Karen asked.
“My private life has nothing to do with anyone!” I growled.
The questions were getting too much, and I finally exploded. I stood up abruptly from my chair and stormed out of the conference room. I didn't care what those people in their thought of me, I simply had to get out. I retreated to my office and asked Hannah to get me a cup of coffee.
She entered my office a minute later and placed my favorite red cup, the one Kenzie gave to me, in front of me.
“I’m not going to ask whether you’re okay because I can see that you’re not,” she said calmly.
“Excellent observation skills, as always, Hannah.”
“Don’t you dare give me attitude. I didn’t do anything to you.”
I sighed and took a few deep breaths. “I’m sorry. I’m just annoyed with everything.”
“I think you’re more annoyed with yourself at this point.”
“And why do you think that?” I asked in annoyance.
“Stop with the attitude and I will tell you.”
I sighed again and motioned to her to continue.
“You’re annoyed because you’re on the verge of losing someone who means the world to you.”
“She called me a liar.”
“In her eyes, you are, because you didn't explain it to her. You got angry, and you figured that you wouldn't chase after her, because you have too much pride, and you’re not going to convince her to be with you, because if she doesn't already know that, then she’s not the one.”
Fuck, another woman had me all figured out.
“So, are you going to Virginia or not?”
“I can't just show up there.”
“You make a good point, so I took the liberty of getting her this,” Hannah said and handed me a small velvet box. “From you, of course.”
I narrowed my eyes but took the box from her. I opened it and my eyebrows shot up. It was a beautiful rose gold ring with a solitary diamond in the middle. It literally screamed Kenzie, and I was shocked that Hannah bought this without my knowledge.
“Don’t look at me like that.”
“I can’t,” I sighed and closed the box again. “It’s just too late for that.”
“You love her, right?” Hannah asked.
“Of course, I do.” That was the stupidest question in the world. Of course, I loved her, with every inch of my being. She was the only person who I had ever met that made me want to be a better person, and at the same time, I could be myself with her. She wasn't fazed about my hang-ups and the way I lived my life. She accepted me, and she loved me.
“And she’s the One, right?”
“Hannah-”
“Answer the damn question.”
“She is.”
“Then do it.”
“I can’t.”
“Of course you can.”
I glanced up and frowned at Calvin standing in the doorway.
I clenched my jaw and stood up. “I’m sorry that I stormed out of there.”
“That’s fine. Luckily they know you by now,” he shrugged.
“That’s not an excuse. The last three days were the worst three days of my life, and I took it out on everyone else, where I was the one completely at fault.”
“It’s not too late, Wyatt. Go to her.”
“I can’t. I literally can’t. I have so much to do-”
“Don’t worry about work. Hannah and I have everything covered,” Calvin said.
“Speak for yourself,” Hannah muttered and winked at Calvin.
“I can’t just go. What if she throws me in the lake or something.”
“She won’t.”
I glanced at Hannah and then at Calvin.
“Wyatt, you’re so much happier with her in your life. Everyone could see it. Mom and Dad are so happy that you’re finally happy.”
“Don't deny yourself a happily ever after, Wyatt,” Hannah said and I looked at her.
“Okay. I’m going to Virginia.”
“I’ll confirm your plane tickets.”
“Wait,” Calvin said before she could move from the couch. “I have a better idea.”
I looked at him and knew exactly what he had in mind, and I silently thanked him, because he knew me so well.
“I just have to make a stop somewhere,” I said and took my phone out, dialing my mother’s number.
“Wyatt, honey! I’m so glad you called.”
“Hello, Mother. I need a favor,” I said as I walked through the waiting area.
“Of course, anything for you, my boy.”