She has no right to look so fucking innocent.
“Quick. What’s on the calendar for today?”
“Oh, um…” Her eyes turn up in thought.
“Really? You don’t know?”
“No, I just—”
“Got a little distracted? Forgot to do your job?”
Her brows furrow. “Why are you speaking to me this way? I didn’t remember to bring my laptop along and I moved around the hours a bit just this morning. That’s why I don’t have it in my head.”
“Or could it be another reason, don’t you think?” I frown. “Maybe you saw your ex and other things are now occupying your mind.”
Her mouth falls open. “H-how do you know that?” She shakes her head. “Doesn’t matter. I’m here now, and I’m doing my job.”
“Oh, what you did just now? That’s doing your job?”
“What’s your problem?” Maddie steps forward, irritation pinching her features. “Is this about forgetting your calendar? I can go right now, memorize and regurgitate it to impress you. Will that make you happy?”
“I don’t care about that shit, Maddie!” I press my fingers to my forehead and pace to get my thoughts together. Doesn’t work, so I spit it out. “Is he the reason you refused to have dinner with me last night?”
“What?” Her face scrunches up. “What are you talking about?”
“Your fucking ex! You want him back, don’t you? That’s why you’re pushing me away.”
Once the words leave my mouth, I know I’ve said the wrong thing.
Maddie’s face falls.
I open my mouth to speak but there’s nothing to follow that up with. She’s staring at me, her lips trembling. I can’t look away now. She looks crushed. I feel the same.
It’s out there and there’s no going back now.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Maddie
Did he just say that?
I can’t believe the day I’m having. First, I turn up at work and I’m tasked with reorganizing Chance’s already-packed calendar. It’s a hassle, calling to reschedule meetings.
I’m done when Julia calls my attention. Someone’s asking for me downstairs. When she says Todd, my stomach bottoms out.
I tell her to tell the downstairs receptionist that I’m not available. There’s a back and forth and Todd threatens to make a scene if I don’t show up.
With my heart in my throat, I head down. I’m not nervous to meet him. He means nothing now.
It’s just a memory of the life I’ve ignored for three weeks catching up to me. Seeing him brings back those memories and they don’t leave me feeling very good.
Only to come up and meet this accusation.
I bite my lower lip to stop the trembling and look away from Chance. How can he think that I want to get back with Todd?
“Look at me.” His voice is warm and husky and commanding.
I hate the way it pours over me and makes me feel fuzzy on the inside. He has no right to make me feel conflicted.
