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She brushes me off and takes a seat.“I’ll just stay for one drink.It would be rude not to, wouldn’t it, Damon?”
I have no idea what game she’s playing at here, but I intend on putting a stop to it.
Standing, I give her a look that says I’m not taking no for an answer.“Come with me to the bar.”
She’s up and out of her chair fast.As we walk to the bar, she hooks her arm in mine and leans in close.“I know you didn’t really mean what you said the last time we saw each other.And there’s no need for an apology.”
“I meant every word I said, Penny.”When we reach the bar, I move in close so she can hear every word I utter.“You’re going to walk the fuck away from me, leave this restaurant, and never come near me again.Because, in case I haven’t been clear enough, I’m not fucking interested in you.”
She places her palm to my cheek and brings her face near mine.“You know what, Callan?I’m not fucking interested in you either.And yeah, I’m going to walk away, but I’m not leaving the restaurant because I was actually here before you.And just because you’re a rich asshole, doesn’t mean you can order people around.Fuck you, and I hope you get what’s coming to you.”
I watch her walk away, wondering what the hell just happened.I’ve never known a woman who blows so hot and cold.
I’m in the middle of wondering that when a text comes through on my phone.I’m surprised to see Olivia’s name on the screen.I haven’t heard from her since our call this morning and while I’m fucking happy to hear from her now, I wasn’t expecting it.
Olivia
I know you’re having dinner with the investor tonight, and I know you think you need him, but I wanted to remind you of all the things you’ve achieved in business on your own.Callan, you don’t need anyone backing you but yourself.No matter what your father tells you.
Fuck.Me.
I want to tell her I love her, but I don’t want the first time I tell her that to be by text.Or by phone.I need her in my arms when I tell her that.So, I slip my phone in my trousers and make my way back to Damon to tell him I no longer need an investor.
Olivia’s right.
And the realization that I’ve been an idiot slams into me.Nobody loves me like Olivia does.Nobody sees me like she does.And I’d be a fool not to do everything in my power to make her mine forever.
29
OLIVIA
I’m almost asleep Monday night when Ethan calls.He tried to call me this morning but I was working and unable to take his call.We texted back and forth a few times and agreed he’d call me tonight.
“I didn’t realize you meant midnight when you said you’d call tonight,” I say sleepily.
“I’m in Paris, Liv.It’s fucking six a.m.here.I got up early for you.”
I smile.God, I miss him.“So, let me guess, Callan called you.”
“Smart woman.”
My heart cracks a little bit more at his confirmation.Callan isn’t the kind of man to ask for help or to talk about the things hurting him.His father taught him to stand strong by himself and that’s what he strives to do.For him to call Ethan, especially when they haven’t spoken for so long, reveals his pain over what I’ve done.
“Is he okay?”I hold my breath and wait for his answer.
“No.”
I close my eyes while my heart squeezes.
I hate that I’ve hurt him.
“Don’t run,” he says.
I open my eyes.“I’m not running.”
“You are.It’s what you do.”
“What does that mean?”
