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Let me love you, Sunflower.
The thought of going back to Seattle when I know my heart would be here in Madison Ridge sounds like hell on earth. Is that how I want to live my life?
What am I expecting if I do?
My job is one of chances, of trial and error. You roll the dice and hope that marketing campaign does what you want it to.
I’ve been pretty lucky in that realm. And even when I’ve been unlucky, I regroup and try again.
Jake is what I’ve been missing from my life. I know that now.
If I’m ever going to feel whole again, I’m going to need to roll the dice one more time.
I sit up straight and blow out a breath, my mind racing. “I need to go.”
I stand and hurry back into the closet. When I come out, Landon’s frowning.
“I’ll be back,” I say with a smile. “But I need to take care of some things back in Seattle.”
His eyes flick up and hold mine for a moment before he stands to hug me. “I understand. Hurry back home, okay?”
“I will; it’s just a few days.” I roll up on my tiptoes to kiss his cheek. “Thank you, Landon.”
“You’re welcome.”
I toss in some toiletries. “Could you take me to the airport? And don’t tell Mom I’ll be back. I want it to be a surprise.”
“Well, shit, Lia. That’s going to be hard. You know how she is when she thinks I know something.”
I laugh and close the suitcase. “I also know you’ve been trained to withstand torture. You can do it.”
He blows out a breath and curses as he follows me out of the room. “You owe me babysitting duties when that baby’s born.”
* * *
I sitoutside my boss’s office and glance around at the opulence around me.
I contributed in a big way to the money that pays for the luxurious furnishings around here. I was compensated well, but I never had their respect.
The long plane ride home gave me time to think. Somewhere over the Midwest I realized I’ve been an idiot working for a selfish, backstabbing, misogynistic prick. I ignored things I knew for a long time because I was too focused on getting ahead.
I’m ashamed at the realization but also relieved.
“Mr. Warren will see you now.”
I look up at the icy, blonde receptionist in front of me and give her a fake smile to match the one she gives me. “Thank you.”
As my heels click down the corridor to my boss’s office, I take a deep breath and glance down at my outfit. I’ve worn my navy power suit and a silver button-down blouse.
My armor.
I step into Mr. Warren’s office, and he looks up with a smile as he packs his desk up. “Lia, good to see you. I’m surprised, though. I thought you were off until the first of the year.”
I walk forward, my hands tightening around the clutch in my hands. “I was, but I came back early.”
He lifts a brow, zipping up his briefcase. “Well, you just happen to be my last appointment of the year.” He drops down into his chair. “Please take a seat.”
“No, I’m fine to stand, but thank you.”
