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“Mad—”
“I’m sorry. I love you. I’ll call again soon.”
I hang up and immediately turn my phone off, ignoring all the voicemails coming through. I turned it off on the flight, too, welcoming the silence as I sat and watched London disappear from the window. Silence will be my companion from now on. A trusted one.
Logan and Gabrielle.It’s what I wanted. It’s what I told him to do. And after the flowers, I was scared he would never listen. But then he went quiet. Drew said he was out with them, thinking about the future. He said Logan had an epiphany, and that he knew what he had to do. A pathetic part of me hoped that meant he’d come for me, even though that would be the worst decision he’s ever made.
But he didn’t.
And now I understand why. He was with Gabrielle.
Logan’s still only halfway there.
Something still needs to bridge that gap. That fifteen-million wide gap. The sale of my apartment is barely going to make a dent. But it’ll be a start if my next move doesn’t go as planned.
I sit back in my seat, my nerves growing as we approach the marina. I was convinced he wouldn’t still be moored here. And according to his PA, if I’d waited until tomorrow, then he wouldn’t be. Maybe the universe is on my side for once, because as we pull up, I spot the imposing, sleek white vessel sitting in the water.
I pray I have Logan’s luck negotiating today.
I climb out of the cab after we stop and smooth down my skirt. I pay the driver, then take my suitcase from him and wheel it up the jetway.
A member of the yacht’s crew is waiting for me as I approach and helps me onboard, taking my suitcase for me and offering me a drink.
I’m led to the familiar deck, but the table is gone. Instead, I’m shown to a cushioned seating area and told to make myself comfortable. I place my purse down by my feet and sit, inhaling the fresh sea air as I gaze out across the calm water. It’s a direct contrast to the whirlpool spinning inside me.
“Ms. Harper?”
I turn and stand and am swept up in sparkling blue eyes. I can’t stop the pop of heat in my cheeks. I’m not attracted to him in that way. But I can’t deny that there’s something about this man that makes you feel seen.Intense.That’s probably the best word to describe his eyes when they’re on you.
“Mr. Beaufort.” I take his extended hand.
“My friends call me Sterling.”
“Mine call me Maddy.”
Tiny smile lines appear around his eyes, crinkling the skin. “Except Mr. Rich. He told me your name’s Maddox.”
I swallow at the mention of Logan. I knew he’d come up in conversation, but I still wasn’t prepared for the wrench in my gut at hearing his name.
“It is. But he usually calls me Mads. He says it’s because I look mad whenever I see him.”
Sterling chuckles. “Well then, I’d say he considers himself to be a very lucky man.”
I look at him, puzzled as I accept his offer to sit back down.
“I appreciate you taking the time to meet with me,” I say, trying to swallow down the nerves fizzing inside my stomach.
Sterling thanks one of his staff who brings a tray of chilled drinks over. He passes one to me and I wait for him to lift his glass to clink mine before I take a grateful sip. My throat is suddenly drier than a bone in the midday sun.
“I’m intrigued to see what brings you here alone.”
I shift in my seat and smile politely. He’s being sincere. But the acknowledgment that last time I was here was with Logan makes my stomach sink all over again. Everything that makes me think of Logan does that now.
“But first, tell me. How was the opera? Did you enjoy it?” Sterling leans back in his seat like he has all the time in the world.
“Immensely,” I answer truthfully. “It was beautiful. I can’t thank you enough for your generosity.”
“Then don’t.” He smiles. “Just tell me something good came from it and that’ll make me happy.”
