Chapter 41

Jeremy

They’re the words I’ve been craving, even though I didn’t realize it.

I wanted that reassurance from her. I needed to hear it from her.

“We’ll only see each other,” I state, not ask. “You won’t sleep with anyone else. I won’t either.”

She nods slowly. “I’d like that.”

I’d fucking love that.

She pushes the condoms back into the drawer. “I should shower.”

I should join her, but I’ve ignored my phone all night. The vanilla vodka is on the precipice of launching and I have a shitload of work to do today.

She starts rising from the bed, but I stop her with a hand on her wrist. “I’ve never met anyone like you.”

A smile spreads across her face. “I’ve never met anyone like you either, West. Not even close.”

“Being here with you last night meant a lot to me.”

Her fingers play with the edge of the sheet that’s covering me. “To me too. I’ve never spent the night here with a man before.”

It all feels too good to be true.

How in the hell did I find this woman? Twice.

Her fingers move to my chest. “I need to get ready for work.”

I do too.

I watch her sexy, lush ass sway as she walks toward the bathroom.

Once the door closes behind her, I’m on my feet searching for my phone.

I know I shut it off in frustration and tossed it toward a chair near the window.

I push my clothes aside and find it, pushing the button to power it back up.

Tugging on my boxer briefs, I’m assaulted with a symphony of noises.

Chimes, bells and dings penetrate the silence in the room.

I scoop the phone into my palm and scan the screen.

Fuck.

I stalk across the room to the bathroom and swing open the door.

She’s there, nude and standing in front of the mirror. The shower hasn’t been turned on.

“Angel,” I say breathlessly, a combination of pure desire for her and fear over what my selfishness last night has cost me. “I need to go.”

“Now?” Her brow furrows. “What’s wrong?”

My phone starts ringing in my palm. “I have to take this.”

“Go.” She waves her hand in the air. “We’ll talk later.”

I turn and shut the door behind me before I put on my clothes, grab my wallet and keys and race out of her apartment.

***

“I picked up a sandwich for you.” Blythe drops a white paper bag on my desk. “I got a call last night.”

I look down at my watch. It’s well past noon. I made it into the office a half hour ago after spending the morning at the hospital and then at my place. “Thanks for the sandwich.”

“You were nowhere to be found.” She looks at the chairs opposite my desk. “Can I sit?”

I tilt my chin up. “I won’t stop you.”

She settles into one, crossing her legs at the knee. The bright orange dress she’s wearing is conservative for her. “Can I speak freely?”

Leaning back in my chair, I wave my hand in the air. “Be my guest.”

She studies me as if she’s choosing her words wisely. “I know that you changed your will.”

My jaw tightens. “How the hell do you know that?”

“Your lawyer sent it back over this morning.” She sucks in a deep breath. “I opened the envelope to see what it was.”

I point to the large white envelope on my desk. “It’s clearly stamped personal and confidential, Blythe. Do I need to buy you a goddamn dictionary so you can read up on the definition of those two words?”

A small smile breaks her serious demeanor. “If you do, look up the definition of friend. I consider myself one of yours.”

I’d say the same about her, but I’ll never admit it.

“I’m worried about you, Jeremy.”

I close my eyes to get my emotions in check. “I’m fine. The update on the will was necessary. I don’t plan on dying for the next sixty years at least.”

“I’m not worried about that.” She shakes her head. “I know why you changed your will. You want to keep your father away from your fortune.”

I nod succinctly.

“I know you were with a woman last night.” Her voice softens. “I’m worried that you’re going to push your happiness aside because you think there’s no room in your life for that.”

Six months ago I may have felt that, but since meeting Linny, I’m determined to figure this shit out.

I want her. I want the life I already have. I want it all.

“Don’t let your father’s sins, destroy your future, Jeremy.” She moves to stand.

Reaching for the bag she dropped on my desk, I ignore her advice. My father is in my past. That’s where he’ll stay. “Get back to work, Blythe.”

She tosses me a curt nod. “Will do. I’m here if you need me.”