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“You look like you haven’t slept for days.” His eyes skated over her. “I’m starting to worry about you working too hard opening this new office.”
“I’m okay, really. There was no need for you to fly here this morning.” However, it did work nicely into her plan.
He pulled her into his arms, and her back stiffened. “You won’t have to be such a slave to your job once we’re married.”
“I’m not a slave to my job.” Lisbeth wriggled out of his hold. “I enjoy my job and plan to continue working for years.”
“We can hash that all out at another time. Right now, you have to shower and get dressed. My father will be announcing his run for senator later today, and I need you by my side.”
And here she thought he was worried about her.
“I thought he wasn’t doing that until next week.” Of course, what did it matter? Either way, she wouldn’t be a part of Alex’s political career.
“They’ve moved up the whole campaign. His staff wants to take advantage of the governor’s endorsement while he’s in LA.” He waved his hand over her. “So, get dressed, put a few things in a bag, and we can get going.”
Edward sat on the couch, picked up the remote, and thumbed on the TV like he expected her to obey him. How had Lisbeth never realized how authoritative he’d become?
She stared down at him, trying to organize her thoughts and put them together so he would understand.
“Edward, we need to talk.” Sometimes the direct approach was the best.
“Not now,” he said to the TV screen. “We have to get going.”
“It can’t wait.”
He cocked his head in her direction. “If this is regarding your working after we’re married, I said we’d discuss it later. I have a ten o’clock flight back to LA scheduled, and we can’t miss it.”
“I won’t be going back to LA with you.”
“Whatever you have planned, just reschedule it.” His gaze focused on CNN. “This is important.”
“What I have to say is important too.” She eased next to him on the couch and muted the TV. “Edward, I want you to know I’ve given this a lot of thought, and I think—no,I wantto call off the wedding.”
His brow furrowed as he slowly pushed himself off the couch. “You what?”
Now she had his full attention.
“I don’t think we should get married. I don’t feel the—”
“Stop talking nonsense and get dressed.” He checked his watch again, and something shifted inside her.
“Did you hear me?” Lisbeth’s voice rose as she stood to face him. “I don’t want to get married.”
“Please, Lisbeth, this is just pre-wedding jitters talking.” He turned her around by the shoulders and pointed her toward the bedroom like dealing with a disobedient child. “If we miss this time slot in the flight plan, we’ll have to wait until noon, cutting it way too close.”
Lisbeth spun around and anchored her hands on her hips. “I’m not going back with you. I’m breaking up with you.”
“You can’t be serious.” He examined her as if she’d lost her mind.
“I’ve tried to ease into this, but you refuse to listen, so I have no choice but to lay it all out. I’ve realized in the last few days, I’ve been with you for all the wrong reasons. I respect your values and stability, but it’s not enough of a base for any marriage. I love you, but I’m not in love with you. There’s a big difference. I never meant to hurt you, but I’ve made a mistake, and before this goes any further, I want to end it.”
She sucked in a deep breath, proud of the concise way she laid out her feelings. She’d expected him to be surprised and hurt, but it would be the best for both of them.
“Are you done?”
“Excuse me?” She didn’t expect apathy and indifference.
“I don’t know what’s going on here, but we’re going to LA today, and in three months we’re getting married, so please stop wasting time.”
