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He kissed her briefly, softly. "You're welcome. Margo said the gallery is thrilled. You sold out, sweetheart."
“Not quite but almost, yeah. I can’t believe it.”
The air left her lungs and she blinked hard, earning another kiss from Everett.
"Don't look so surprised. I knew you could do it."
The words warmed her even more as Everett led her to the exit.
She sat in the backseat of the car with Everett while Tomas drove them to the penthouse. It felt a little strange staying with Everett rather than with her parents at the hotel before their return to Carolina Cove tomorrow—er, today? The sun would be rising in a matter of hours.
"Happy?" Everett asked.
"Yes."
And exhausted. She'd worked nonstop to make sure the showcase was perfect, fussing over every detail.
They made their way through the penthouse to Everett's bedroom—the one they'd shared after that first night.
Everett lowered his head and kissed her, then swung her up into his arms to carry her inside to his bed.
Izzy pressed her lips to his, fingers digging into his hair. "I love you," she whispered softly.
Everett lowered his head and kissed her again.
Hours later Izzy left Everettsleeping and made her way through the penthouse. Exhaustion pulled at her, but she was too restless to sleep, especially with the sun on the rise and so many unanswered questions in her heart.
She and Everett had made love and she'dsaid… But he hadn't said it back. He'd simply gazed at her and then kissed her so passionately he stole her breath and whatever might have remained protected in her heart.
A now shattered heart because, through it all, why hadn’t he said it back?
Izzy padded barefoot through the penthouse, taking in the sights and sounds along the way. She found herself outside of his office door, the scent of leather and sandalwood strong. Izzy pushed open the paneled door and took in the masculine interior, sealing it in her memory.
The small portrait of Everett and his mother sat front and center on the mantel. She stared at the piece, running her fingertips over Everett's little-boy face, her heart tugging with emotions she refused to welcome.
When she looked at Everett, she could imagine so many things. A future. A family?
But then again, how could she want more from a man unable to give her the one thing she needed most?
She noted a dark navy throw over the back of the couch and headed in that direction, hoping to ease the chill in the room. Along the way, she spotted an envelope on the desk addressed to both Everett and herself.
Her heart thudded hard in her chest as she moved the envelope off the top of the pages. Their divorce papers?
Simple, to the point—except for one thing. She shook her head, eyes widening as she read the spousal support she would receive. She'd never asked Everett for money, and she didn't intend to do so now. It wasn't like they'd been married twenty years and had children together. A month give or take didn't qualify for that kind of support, even if he was a billionaire.
Her hands shook as she found a pen and crossed out that section, initialing it at the side. That done, she flipped to the signature page and hesitated only a moment before adding her name through eyes glazed by tears.
Everett was a wonderful man. Kind, obviously generous. But she needed the words, and if all he had to offer her was his money…she needed to protect herself.
She needed more than sex and the pretense of being married. She wanted it all or nothing at all. His choice.
She dashed her knuckles under her eyes when tears threatened to spill and forced her chin high. She was exhausted, overly emotional, and now…realizing she'd face the new year alone while the man she loved remained distant.
Still, she'd rather be alone than be in a relationship with someone who didn't love her. Couldn't love her because he was too afraid of being hurt. Love was a risk. It was wonderful and painful and blissful. Beautiful even though it was oftentimes full of tears.
But she wanted it,neededit. She deserved to have the man she loved love her in return.
She capped the pen and set it atop the papers before sniffling and hurrying through the door. In her bedroom, she got dressed in seconds, packed in minutes, and texted her parents that she would meet them at the airport. To not leave without her.
