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Chapter 4
Rowan
“Rowan, howdareyou? You can’t force me to talk to you.”
I kick the door closed and stroll through the foyer with a squirming Grace over one shoulder. Ember barrels toward me, her barks mingling with Grace’s indignant rant.
“Hey, girl. Miss me?” I greet my pet while Grace calls me all sorts of crazy and even accuses me of kidnapping, which makes me roll my eyes. She might be on to something, but hell if I’m going to let her walk away without fixing this mess. I’ll apologize for my Neanderthal behavior later.
I heave a sigh. I’ve been on an emotional roller coaster since I heard Grace’s voice in that apartment fire. There hasn’t been a dull moment since I met her, but this entire situation with her and Devlin is just insane. Devlin forged my signature on a check—afelony. What was she thinking?
My lawyer, whom I’ve trusted professionally for years, tried to steal money from me to get rid of my... whatever Grace is to me. My mind is reeling. Since when did my life get so dramatic?
I dump Grace on my couch... gently. She struggles to sit up, straightens her blouse, and harrumphs. Ember is excited to see her and yaps, trying to climb onto the couch, so Grace takes a break from glowering at me to rub Ember behind her ears. Her expression softens.
“Hi, sweet baby,” she coos.
When her attention shifts back to me, she practically snarls. I lift an eyebrow but bite down on my amusement. I’m sure if I show her I find an ounce of humor in any of this, she’ll be more pissed.
“I’m going to feed Ember. Don’t you dare move from that couch.” Her jaw drops in a gasp. I close my eyes and take a breath. Maybe being a bossy prick isn’t the best approach here. “I mean, please stay. I need to talk to you.”
Her indignant huff is accompanied by an adorable pout, and her shoulders relax so I know she’ll be here when I get back. “I won’t be long.” She doesn’t even look at me and I sigh before I take off, snapping to get Ember’s attention. “Come on, girl.”
A few minutes later, I return to the living room to find Grace sitting in the same spot I left her in. She seems miles away. Her shoulders are slumped, and her expression reflects hurt. My steps are slow. I’m afraid to approach her because what the hell do I say to get that dejected look off her face? I’m not exactly the soft, sentimental type.
I blow a breath that catches her attention and her head snaps up. I suppose the truth will go a long way in fixing things. Grace watches me as I cover the distance between us, then glances at the two glasses and bottle of bourbon I carry. I really need a drink, and I think she does, too.
Sitting beside her, I fill the glasses. I feel her watching me. When I hand her one, she hesitates before accepting. The room is quiet for a while as I wonder where to begin. I can understand why Grace isn’t too chatty.
“I’m sorry about the kidnapping.”
Her little sound of amusement is a relief to hear. “I can admit when I’m being a tad melodramatic.”
A smile tugs at my lips. “I’m also sorry for...” Clearing my throat lightly, I glance at her. “I should have called...”
Grace’s cheeks flush a pretty pink. “Look, I wasn’t expecting a promise of commitment just because we slept together. You already told me you’re no Prince Charming and I shouldn’t get any ideas about romance and forever.”
