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He blinks at me. “Are you kidding me right now? I could ask the same of you!”
“Me?”
“You’re at a wedding for my family, Autumn, but you’re walking through here like a damned zombie! You’ve known all of us since we were kids! But all you do is take pictures—
“Because that’s what I was hired to do! Remember,Boss?”
His breaths make his chest puff rapidly, and he looks sexy as hell when he’s angry, dammit. He closes the gap between us and growls, “Do not call me Boss again. Say my name.”
I hate my body for reacting to the proximity to his. I burn for him. Every nerve is on edge, and I am dying to kiss him.
But I am too angry to give over to what I want. “Fuck off, Rowan. We’re done. I never want to see you again.”
Storming out of his office, I leave without another word to anyone. I’m halfway home before I think to text Delia to grab our stuff.
23
Rowan
“So, when are you going to call her?” Mom asks. She’s not talking about Autumn, but that’s who comes to mind when she says it.
I’d made it home alright, but my hands shook the entire drive there. I was glad the kids were not in the car. They are staying with Mom and Dad for the weekend, and I am of the opinion Mom had offered that so I could stay the night with Ally, but she hadn’t admitted to it when I’d asked. Always playing matchmaker.
“Mom, it’s late—
“Which is why I thought she would be with you now, but instead of being with her tonight, you’re on the phone with your mother, and I do not understand why.”
I close my eyes tightly as I sit on my couch. “I say this with all due respect. Mom, this is my life. You’re meddling.”
“If I don’t, who will?”
I huff a laugh in derision. “Thanks, but I’ve got it. Goodnight, Mom.”
“You know I just want the best for you and the kids, Rowan.”
“I do. That’s why I’m not mad.”
“Get some rest, honey. You looked rough toward the end of the reception.”
That was not a lack of sleep. “Thanks for that. Just what every guy wants to hear.”
“You know what I mean.”
I laugh again. “Yes, I do. Good luck getting any sleep with the kids around.”
“Thanks. I’m gonna need it.”
We hang up, and I set the phone out in front of me. Feels like it’s staring back. Accusing. Judging. Making me feel like shit.
Like Autumn did.
I hadn’t meant anything by what I’d said about the consulting thing, and she took it to this weird haves and have nots place. She’s never spoken to me like that before. Did I misunderstand something? I don’t know. But it feels like our fight had nothing to do with that and everything to do with ourthing.
Whatever it is. No. Whatever itwas.
I pour a glass of Syrah and head up for bed. Mom is right about one thing—I could use some damned sleep to process all of this. But then I stare at my empty bed, and it looks like hell. Cold sheets that don’t smell like Autumn anymore.
I knock back the drink and prepare for bed. When I slide between the covers, it’s colder than I thought it would be. Like Autumn.
