Page 108 of Getting Down to Business

“You’re a good guy,” she said as he handed over one of his T-shirts.

“But not good enough, right?”

“Too good.”

“Why would you say that?”

She didn’t answer, and went to brush her teeth. He took his turn when she was done. When he came out, she was crawling into his bed. A small piece of him wanted to tell her to go to her own room, so he could maintain the small detachment he’d managed to gain. The rest of him was happy for the reprieve. One more night.

He slid in on his side and she moved into her spot. They felt so right.

“We said we would be honest with each other, but what if I want to tell you something that will upset you?” he asked.

“I’d want you to tell me anyway. That’s what honesty is all about.”

“You’ve met my parents, you’ve seen how happy they are together—even when they’re picking on each other.”

“Right.”

“I always assumed I’d have that by now. Someone who laughed at my fish stories and told me to watch my cholesterol because she wanted me around for as long as possible.”

“You didn’t tell me you have a cholesterol problem.”

“I don’t. It’s an example.”

“Are you accusing me of wanting you to die early from an unchecked medical problem? Have you had your cholesterol checked? It might be hereditary.”

“I missed you tonight,” he blurted it out before he lost the courage. “I’m sure that breaks the rules, but I can’t help it. I can’t expect you to trust me one moment when I’m keeping my real feelings inside.”

She let out a breath and sat up.

“It totally breaks the rules, but I’m glad you told me the truth. Then I don’t feel so bad to tell you I missed you too. I was trying to convince myself I wasn’t getting attached, but the truth is that I only want to be with you,” she admitted. “I don’t know what to do next.”

“It doesn’t matter. We’re together now. We’ll figure the rest out later.” He pulled her closer, not having an answer but relieved she hadn’t shut him down. Her admission should have made him happy, but she seemed so heartbroken, he couldn’t feel any real happiness.

“Don’t let me go.” Her voice faltered.

“Never,” he promised. This was how it should always be.

She was the one he should always be with.

If only he could convince her.

* * * *

Chanda threw her ribbon tool across the empty space and let out an obscenity. Her voice echoed back to her. She couldn’t work like this. She couldn’t create anything.

She’d been so angry at Doug after he wrecked her show she hadn’t even let him explain. She’d kicked him out and told him she never wanted to see him again.

Now she was rethinking that. In truth, she’d regretted her words as soon as she’d calmed down. Which had been only a few minutes after he left.

She picked up her phone and frowned at the blank screen. She hadn’t gotten so much as a text from him since that night. Of course, when someone tells you that they don’t want to see you ever again, it’s not a huge jump to assume he won’t reach out.

The buzzer rang for the front door and she rushed to get it.

“Hello?” Her heart pounded in anticipation of hearing his voice.

“Hi Chanda, it’s Becca. I have your check from the exhibit.”