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I meet her gaze as I stop pacing. “One thing I can assure you right now,” I affirm, my jaw tight. “That will never happen. Over my dead body. Even if she were the last woman on earth, I’d rather die alone.”
She looks at me with sympathy. It makes my heart lurch a little. I don’t want that, of course, but knowing she cares also makes me realize the kind of person she is.
These past few weeks have been glorious. Yes, we've had to sneak around and meet secretly, but it's been worth it. We’ve gotten close and I’ve looked forward to my evenings and weekends when we get to hang out.
Consider reconciliation with Keira? Not a chance.
Once my anger subsides, I see the truth in all of it; manipulators are very cunning. They know exactly what they’re doing, and they don’t care how many people they hurt.
“Think about it," she says while I turn away, gazing out the window. This place, like everywhere else on the property, has a view. Beyond the window are trees as far as the eye can see, along with the barn in the distance that will be ready soon.
“I know this is another blow, after everything we’ve been working toward, but in the end, the decision is yours and yours alone.”
“I haven’t seen her since the day after it happened,” I say, my voice low. “I couldn’t stand to see the sight of her. It made me sick to even look at her after what I’d witnessed.”
“I understand that. You can think about it. You don’t have to decide in haste.”
I nod. “Thank you, Hartley. For doing all of this for me, and before you say it’s your job, you’ve been gracious in so many ways and I deeply respect that.”
“I just want this to be over for you, but not by any means necessary. Does that make sense?”
I sit back down. “Yes. It does. I need some time to think it over. Making her stew for a while won’t hurt. I just can’t believe she’s pulled a stunt like this. What benefits does she have in seeing me again?”
Hartley takes a deep breath. “My theory? She still holds a flame for you. At first, I perceived her actions as an attempt to torment you, which might be accurate, but I also sense her intention to prolong this. So she has contact with you.”
“That’s funny. Pretty sure the conversations we had sounded like she hated my guts.” I laugh without humor.
“Think it over, but as I say, don’t do anything rash, okay?”
“If my lawyer says so, then I better do as she says.” We both go to stand, and I pull her into my arms. “I’m sorry. It won’t always be like this. I’d like to take you out on a proper date one of these days.”
“I’m gonna hold you to that.”
“It won’t be pretty either. I’m talking ribs at Moose’s with ice cold beer and country and western blaring out the jukebox.”
She laughs. “Is that how you do it in the country?”
“You bet. We’re not all about hog callin’ and tractor maintenance,” I say, my anger about my ex disappearing. It’s not like I can stay mad with Hartley here.
She’s so fucking sweet. I appreciate her looking out for me, but I sense a hint of jealousy in her words. None of that worries me. In fact, I like it. It shows she has feelings for me.
Just as I'm about to kiss her, there's a knock at the door. However, the person on the other side doesn't wait for my response. Me and Hartley spring apart quickly as I hear Gabriel’s voice.
“Grayson, where are you on the deal with Austr-” He stops, his eyes darting from me to Hartley. “Oh, my apologies. I didn’t realize you had company.”
What doesn’t help our cause are Hartley’s cheeks flushing slightly as he trails off. It’s obvious, even to me, that we were just caught red-handed.
“Not at all,” I say, clearing my throat. “Hartley was just leaving.” Next time, fucking knock, asshole…
“Hartley,” he says, giving her a chin lift. “Nice to see you again. I should remember my manners.”
She smiles graciously. “Nice to see you too, Gabriel. As Gray said, I was just leaving.”
He glances at the Manila folder in her hand, but says nothing. “We can talk later,” he says, turning to leave.
“No need,” Hartley puts in. “I have another appointment to get to.”
I lean down to pick up her briefcase, and she smiles as I hand it to her.
