“Mickey-D!”
The moment I push open the door to my penthouse, I abandon my bags and fall to my knees, letting the goodest boy greet me with his slobbery kisses.
I missed him, but he’s been in excellent hands with my staff, who have been sending me daily updates on my furry companion. He’s been treated like the king of the castle, as he should be.
Mickey-D hops up and down on his front paws, turning in happy circles as I lower myself to sit on the floor with him. His tail wags with each ear scratch, and he lets out a littleroo-rooin appreciation.
“Mickey-D, I havesomuch to catch you up on, but first, I need a hot shower and a long nap.” Even though I slept on the plane, it wasn’t as restful as sleeping in my own bed. “Do you want to take a nappy with me?” I baby talk while his tail wags so hard his booty shakes.
After a few more minutes of a happy homecoming with my furry old man, I push back up to my feet and lock the door to my penthouse. Picking up my smaller bag, I bring it with me to the bathroom.
The spray from the shower splashes off the tiles as I let the water warm while I strip my clothes and pick up my cell phone, surprised to see a message waiting for me.
I can’t stop the smile from beaming across my face, and I bite my lip as I stare down at his words, a giddy, blissful feeling permeating through my chest.
Asshat Lawyer
My office. 4 p.m. This time, be on time.
Bossy, as usual.
And if I’m late?
The dots indicating a person is typing show up immediately, and it takes seconds before his text chimes through.
Asshat Lawyer
You won’t be. You want to see me just as badly as I want to see you.
He’s not wrong.
Abandoning my phone, I get into the shower. The water cascades around my body like an embrace, and I let the hot water melt the tension from my bones.
I take my time lathering my hair and body, shutting my eyes and relaxing in the luxurious silence.
God, it’s been an insane few days.
Letting the water run down my skin, my mind goes over every detail of the trip to Spain. The guilt from up and leaving Javier in the middle of his father's funeral has been weighing heavily on my chest.
I shouldn’t have done that.
He’s called me countless times, and I haven’t had the lady balls to pick up, not even having an explanation for my behavior.I can’t exactly tell him I left him high and dry because I was swept up in the tidal wave that is Luciano Paladino.
As far as Javier is concerned, Luciano and I are engaged; therefore, shouldn’t the frenzy stage be behind us? Especially after Luce willingly gave us time alone at his family estate.
I’m not a perfect person—I make mistakes and have regrets, but walking out on Javier during such an emotional event will haunt me. I’ve never done anything as messed up as that.
Well, having sex with Luciano in the middle of a sacristy was also pretty messed up, all things considered.
Rather than my thoughts staying focused on Luciano, they trickle back to Javier. I’m not prepared for what comes next with him—his anger, the conversation—none of it.
But I need this divorce.
I need to woman up and handle my business.
My vision swims as my anxiety grows, and I decide it’s time to get out of the shower. A snack, my bed, and cuddles from my dog sound like exactly what I need right now.
When I step onto the plush bath mat, I sigh heavily when I hear my phone vibrate on the bathroom counter. A quick glance at it tells me it’s my best friend, and I exhale a shaky breath, pressing to connect the call and bring the phone to my ear.
