She paused, turning to me. “You did what?” I nodded, and then she asked, “Why?”
“My heart was no longer in it.” I held her gaze. “A raven-haired beauty ran away with it.”
“I’m glad you realized you needed a change, and I hope you did it because it was whatyouwanted. Not to prove something to me—or anyone else, for that matter.”
“It is what I want, just likeyouare what I want.” I stepped closer, taking her hands in mine. “You gave me the courage to make some necessary changes, as well as others I’d long desired.”
If only I could’ve found that same courage in my personal life sooner. But the stakes were different, higher. My relationship with Ian meant more than the money in my bank account. He’d known me before the success, before I was Wolfe, when I was just Jonathan. But Sumner… Sumner was ingrained in me. She understood me, she challenged me, she completed me in a way no woman ever had. I realized that now—I couldn’t let her go. I just hoped it wasn’t too late.
“Congratulations,” she said, but her smile didn’t quite reach her eyes.
“I want to find a way for us to be together.” I cupped her cheeks. “Iwillfind a way,” I said with more conviction. I blew out a breath, brushing my thumbs along her jaw. “I love you, Sumner.”
Her lids fluttered closed, tears falling down her cheeks. I kissed them away, hoping they were tears of happiness.
“Do you know how long I’ve waited to hear you say those words?” She shook her head, and I didn’t understand her reaction. Why wasn’t she happy?
“But I can’t keep doing this,” she turned for the door, hand poised on the knob. “This—us—we’re toxic. And…” She released a shuddering breath. “I don’t think we should see each other again.”
I jerked my head back.Wait. What?
“Goodbye, Jonathan.”
The door closed behind her with a snick, and I stared at it, wondering where I’d gone wrong. Why couldn’t she understand? I’d sold my company. I was prepared to upend my life to be with her. Why wasn’t that enough?
I couldn’t… I gasped for air, the room spinning. I couldn’t do this. I couldn’t live without her. I marched out of the bathroom, intent on persuading her to change her mind. But I was stopped by a guy in a suit.
“Excuse me,” I said, pushing past him. “I need—”
“Are you Jonathan Wolfe?” he asked.
I hesitated, glancing around for Sumner, then said, “Yeah.”
Where is she?
“Oh, thank god.” His shoulders relaxed, and he pressed a button on his headset. “Found him.”
I furrowed my brow. “I’m sorry, but do I know you?”
He shook his head and held out his hand to shake. “I’m Landon, and I’m with Juliana Wright Events. Let’s get you onstage.”
“Onstage?” I felt as if I were in a daze, allowing this stranger to lead me back to the ballroom.
“Yes. I’m with the event planner for Ian’s birthday weekend. We’re about to do the slideshow and speeches. Ian’s daughter’s up first, then it’s your turn.”
He spoke quickly into his headset, but my mind was on Sumner. On her parting words, which kept playing on a loop in my mind.Toxic. Shouldn’t see each other again.
I was going to have to toast Ian and pretend I hadn’t just kissed his daughter. Hadn’t told her I loved her and would do anything to be with her. And then watched her walk out on me, walk out of my life. I needed to find her. To talk to her. I’d never felt so torn—between my loyalty to my best friend and my love for his daughter.
“I don’t think I can do this,” I said, my stomach lurching. “I—”
“It’s okay if you didn’t prepare,” Landon said, misinterpreting my anxiety as he guided me toward the ballroom. “You can wing it.” He leaned in and lowered his voice. “Most people do.”
“Right.” I smoothed my hand down my shirt, following him to the front of the room. I grabbed a glass of champagne from a passing waiter, taking a large gulp.
Ian turned to smile at me but frowned. “What’s wrong?”
I shook my head. “Nothing.”
