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He actually grins. “Are you giving me a ride to work or not?”
“Why are you enjoying this?”
“Because it’s nice to watch someone finally put you in your place. Did you really think you could talk to her the way you did and expect her to go into work for two weeks?”
My molars smash together. “I want to talk to her.”
“She’ll speak to you when she’s ready.”
“Then I guess I’ll be the one to do the talking then.” I steal his keys straight out of his hand and unlock the door before he has a chance to grab them.
“Dec—”
I slam the door in my brother’s face and turn the deadbolt before he has a chance to get in.
“Open the damn door!” He pounds his fist against the wood.
I throw his keys on the side table before following the music straight toward the kitchen. Iris’s eyes immediately latch onto mine.
“What are you doing here?”
“I brought you coffee.” I step close enough to pass her the cup.
She stares down at it like it might be poisonous. “You came here to bring mecoffee?”
“No. I came here to talk to you. Coffee is merely a bribe for your time.”
“I don’t want your bribes. Not anymore.”
“Fine. Maybe later.” I place it on the counter.
“Should I even ask how you got in here?”
“I stole Cal’s keys and locked him out.”
“Declan—”
“I miss you.”
“It’s been less than twenty-four hours since you last saw me.”
“The addiction gene runs strong in my family. Take pity on your husband.”
She only scowls at my joke. I refuse to lose hope, although the way she looks at me makes me question it for a moment.
“I miss you so damn much, I don’t know what to do with myself. The house is too quiet and the bathroom is far too clean. Even pasta doesn’t taste the same without you cooking it.”
“I don’t cook. I boil. That’s a big difference according to you.”
“Come home. I’ll cook every day for the rest of our lives so long as you agree to not leave again.”
Her eyes shut. “No.”
I take advantage of her guard being down and walk up to her. Her chin fits perfectly within the palm of my hand, and I stroke her cheek with my thumb. “Please. I’m miserable without you.”
She blinks up at me. “I’m not ready.”
“What do you meanyou’re not ready?” The sick feeling in my stomach returns stronger than ever as she pulls out of my embrace. I don’t stop her, although every cell in my body is pushing me toward her like a magnet.
