How was it possible to love someone this much? Sometimes my chest hurt because it felt so full. “You're coming with me to Texas.”
“You doubted me?”
I shook my head and smiled against his neck. “Never.”
Rowan sprawledon the couch behind the office computer reading a Sanderson novel. My finger hovered over the video link and had been for the last thirty seconds.
“You don't have to see his face. Just call him.”
“He won't answer. Caelan wants to see my face.”
“Yes,” Rowan agreed. “Because he luuuuuurves you.”
I sent him a dark look over the top of the screen. “I think it's more that he wants to kiiiiillll me.”
He winked. “Two things can be true at the same time.”
I tossed my pen at him. “Can you be serious for one moment?”
“Mmm.” Rowan tilted his head and squinted up at the ceiling. “Not when it makes you this uncomfortable.”
All I had to do was click the link. Click it and let it ring. Maybe he won't answer.
“He's definitely going to answer.”
“I still think you can read my mind sometimes,” I grumbled.
“No, my darling, but I do know the way you think. Hope is written all over your face.”
“He doesn't know I'm calling, so not answering is possible.”
Rowan laid his book on his chest and looked at me, his eyes filled with understanding. “The moment he sees your name onhis phone, he will answer. Keep your answers short. Do not engage with him about personal matters. State the terms of your visit. Get him to agree, then cut the call.”
“And if he won't?”
Rowan shrugged. “Cut the call anyway.” He smiled at the worried expression I knew I wore. “I love how you can make murderous flytraps and seed your ex-fiancé’s land with poison, but the thought of a phone call petrifies you.”
I plopped my head in my hands and blew a raspberry. “It's easier when I don't have to see his face.”
“You can tell a lot from a man's face when he speaks to the woman he loves.”
“He doesn't love me,” I said quietly.
Rowan swung his legs off the couch and walked over, bending to press a kiss to my lips. “Untrue. He only realized it when he lost everything.” He kissed me again. “Or have you forgotten the whole trying to murder me in cold blood incident?”
I would never forget how I felt when I saw Caelan launch himself at Rowan's unprotected back, and I would never regret what I did next.
Rowan's face softened. “You hold all the power, Evie. Finally, make sure he knows it.”
He turned and plopped back onto the couch, scooping his book up. “Now, I'm right at a really good part. No more interruptions, please.” He winked and pretended to bury his nose in between the pages.
“You're a pain in the ass,” I grumbled.
Rowan laughed. “And handsome and manly and strong andverygood in bed.”
All true. “And arrogant and far too full of himself.”
“Mmm. Yes. Well, I can't be perfect every single day. You ask far too much of a man.”
