AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Finklestein is trying to make a deal with the feds. He wants to turn on Kircher and the rest of them to get less time. Claims he has some damning evidence.” Seth squints. “Also claims he has surveillance footage of you and his ex-wife.”
“Get in,” I growl.
He scoots into the seat next to me. “Do you think she set you up?”
“No.” I shake my head. I’ve avoided all things Clover for two miserable weeks. No calls. No texts. Nothing.
I may not know much when it comes to her, but I do know she’s not involved in Finklestein’s bullshit.
We sit in silence for a good ten minutes as the driver maneuvers through London traffic to get me to the next meeting. I think about what Seth said. Fuck. It’s time to stop pining for a woman who’ll never be mine and use logic and reason. From the second I sunk my dick into Clover when we were trapped in the elevator, I haven’t been myself.
No, that’s a lie. It was the second I saw a photo of the woman who’d been married to Finklestein.
I’ve been totally obsessed with her.
Ignoring my responsibilities for what? To essentially stalk her? First in Vancouver B.C. Then in LA when she was going on those stupid fucking dates?
And WTF with the personal ad? A fucking hate date? The stupidest goddamn idea I’ve ever had.
Who the fuck have I become?
I’m not this man. No wonder Clover wanted space.
I’d better get a grip on myself.
It’s time to put this “you can’t trust Clover” shit to bed with my best friend. Once and for all. Even if the only reason is for Seth to have peace of mind.
Maybe then he’ll shut the fuck up about her.
“Fine. Put Zed back on the job.” I glance up at Seth. Then pull out my phone and scroll through email.
Ignore the bile in my gut for the rest of the drive.
Seven hours later and I’m ecstatic to be back in my suite at the Savoy. I haven’t had much time to think about my conversation with Seth about Finklestein. It’s been a solid fucked-up day of putting out fires. Keeping things on track. Juggling all the balls.
Now I’m finally, blissfully alone. I glance around at ornate but tasteful furnishings in my empty room. This is not the life I pictured. Not even close. I never thought I’d be pushing fifty and have no one in my life but staff and business acquaintances.
No parents. No siblings.
No real friends to hang out with other than Seth.
Until Clover.
Who doesn’t want me because, as she rightfully pointed out, I have no idea how to separate the best sex of my life from having a relationship. I’ve never bothered to figure out the difference, I guess. It was never a priority.
I miss her so goddamn much. She makes me want to do better.
It’s been fourteen days since I’ve been inside her. Kissed her. Held her in my arms.
Without her near me, I can’t sleep or eat. Every bone in my body aches. I have no idea how to cope.
On my flight here, I was so distraught. I drank myself into a stupor to drown out the demon voices in my head. It was a miracle Seth managed to sober me up in time for our first meeting.
Stop!
Moping doesn’t help. I’m not a fucking moper.
I’ve got a big day tomorrow. Sleep is mandatory tonight. I change into soft cotton shorts. Flip on the TV. Shut it off in disgust. Consider ordering an expensive bottle of fine whiskey to dull the pain and knock me out. Decide against it. The plane bender was a one and done. I’ve never used alcohol to cope. I’m not starting now.
