Page 23 of Choosing Scarlet

I scoff, lifting the glass and taking a long swallow. The whiskey burns beautifully down my throat. “What happened to client confidentiality?” Locke doesn’t react. The silence stretches, and I finally breathe out.

“Yes,” I admit quietly. “Something happened with her.”

“In that case … figure out what you actually want, Fisher. She’s not an acquisition.”

His words slide into my mind slowly, settling deeper and deeper until I can’t ignore them anymore. I know exactly how I feel. I have known for longer than I want to admit, but saying it out loud terrifies me. The second I speak it into existence, it becomes real, and I can’t take it back.

“I’m in love with her,” I say before I can stop myself. The confession leaves my mouth without permission, like the truth has been clawing to get out. Locke doesn’t even flinch. His expression stays the same, almost like he expected this and had seen it coming before I had.

“You do know The Network has strict rules about clients getting involved at that level with our women.”

“I know,” I say. “That’s why I want to end my status as a client here.”

Locke lifts his glass, takes a slow sip, then sets it down. “And what then?”

I tap my fingers against the wooden desk, my mind racing while the silence lingers between us once more. I’ve said the words out loud. There’s no going back now. This is the part where I choose what to do about it.

Finally, I breathe out. “I want you to set up a meeting for us, if possible.”

I can’t remember the last time I planned something like this. Actually, I don’t think I ever have. Still, it didn’t take me long to decide where I wanted this meeting to be held. It’s where we first spent real time together: the country club. Usually, this spot is filled with meaningless chatter, clinking glasses, and people trying far too hard to impress one another during countless galas.

Usually, I’m calm here and completely in control.

Tonight, I’m more nervous than I’ve ever been walking into any business deal.

I take in my surroundings slowly. With a single phone call from Adeline, the entire private section has been cleared out just for me tonight. Now, it looks completely transformed. Tulips, her favorite, fill the space. Tall candles rise above each arrangement, their glow softening every corner of the room. Milly, Tim, and Boa sit obediently in front of the table, which is draped with a white cloth and adorned with a floral centerpiece to match the tulips around us and even more candles. Two chairs are set on either side. A private chef stands by, preparing a menu specifically for tonight, paired with an excellent bottle of wine.

Everything is ready.

Now all that’s left is for her to actually show up … if she chooses to.

There’s no guarantee she will. I asked Locke to pass along my message, but the choice is hers alone. It has to be. It’s the only fair way. Suddenly, my chest tightens, and I can’t catch a full breath. I tug at my tie, convinced it’s strangling me even though I tied it the same way I always do.

Before I can get a hold of myself, all three dogs bolt in the same direction—straight toward the door. Even Milly, which shocks me so much I almost forget to breathe. Their paws tap loudly against the floor as they scramble for Scarlet’s attention as she stands at the door, circling and bumping against her legs as if they haven’t been loved in weeks.

I fight the urge to roll my eyes … until I look at her.

And everything inside me stops.

She’s wearing a gold dress that drapes down her body, with the sequins shimmering with every slight movement. Her hair is swept into an elegant updo, with a few dark strands falling gently around her face. Golden vintage glasses, of course, pull the whole look together.

For a moment, I genuinely forget how to breathe.

My heart stops.

All that exists in this moment is her.

“You came,” is all I manage to say at first.

Still crouched down, petting all three dogs who are practically tripping over each other to get closer to her, she gives a soft shrug. “I had to.”

There are so many things I want to say, things I practiced in my head over and over again. I planned tonight down to the smallest detail because I wanted it to be perfect for her. But the second she stepped into the room, every carefully rehearsed thought slips away.

Logic disappears the moment she’s near me.

“I’m sorry,” I say first, even though I wanted to tell her how breathtaking she looks. I also wanted to say I’ve missed her more than I knew I could miss anyone. But all of that gets pushed aside by the apology I need to get off my chest. “I’m sorry for the way I handled everything. You were right. I am terrified. I’m terrified that the world I’m connected to and the circles I move in could come crashing down. I’m terrified that something could go wrong and you would end up paying the price. That’s been my life for years, and it’s not something I can easily walk away from.” The words spill, without much thought. “I’m scared you’ll get hurt. Because the truth is … I’ve never felt this way about anyone before. Ever. And I mean that.” I take a breath, steadying myself. “You’re the first thought in my mind when I wake up, and the last one before I fall asleep.”

Her lips part as if she’s about to speak, but the words in my chest push forward faster than she can.