He chuckled, letting her know he agreed. “What do you mean, were?” he asked, his voice sobering.
“This isn’t going to work, is it?”
He sucked in a breath.
“Don’t tell me you’re shocked.” She placed a hand over her heart, attempting to lighten the mood with humor. “You’re the one who told me you wanted a temporary arrangement. Alix is doing great now. You should be proud.”
“So should you.”
She shook her head. “All she ever needed was you. I was just your safety net. You thought she needed me and that helped you get through the tough times. But you did it on your own.” Her hand covered his and she tried to memorize its feel and texture. “You did your brother proud, too.”
Chelsie swallowed a convulsive sob, determined to get through this without a scene. She’d have plenty of time on the plane and in Florida to cry her heart out. “We agreed to agree when to end this arrangement. I think the time has come. I’ll make arrangements with Mrs. Baxter to see Alix during the day while you’re up here.”
Pain lurked in his eyes, but Chelsie couldn’t help him. He’d have to find his way on his own.
“We’re partners,” he said.
“I think I mentioned what a stupid thing it is to mix business and pleasure, didn’t I?” she asked with a fake smile.
His eyes clouded over and Chelsie knew that he, too, was recalling their times together, good and bad. She’d spent the week getting used to the idea, assuring herself that parting company was the only solution. Though Griff could add her to the list of women in his life who had abandoned him, she had the distinction of being the only one who hadn’t done so willingly. He wouldn’t let her in.
“Pleasure, huh?” he finally asked.
“Oh, yeah. But you were there, so you must remember.”
If only he could forget. So why couldn’t he let the good times be enough?
She glanced at her watch. “It’s time.”
Griff knew she meant more than just catching a plane.
“We’ll sort out the details when I get back, okay?”
He nodded, at a loss for words. How did you sort out two lives that had become one?
“Before I go, I’ll teach you how to make coffee. You need that cup of decaf in the morning. You’ll never survive on that mud your secretary makes. Left alone, you’ll overdose on caffeine.”
He brushed a strand of hair off her cheek. At least she hadn’t pulled back this time. “Thanks for caring.”
“You know I do.” She rose from her seat. “No, maybe you don’t,” she murmured, shaking her head.
He let her statement pass.
“Have a good flight” And a good life.
“Thanks.” Her voice was a mere whisper.
“ ‘Bye.”
She leaned over to kiss him on the cheek. Knowing he was taking unfair advantage, he turned his face at the last moment so her lips met his. She sucked in a surprise breath before her lips parted, taking him inside. He drank in the taste of her, knowing that he’d never have her again.
When she lifted her head, tears shimmered in her eyes.
A car horn honked. She flashed him a brief smile, one he couldn’t return. She turned and walked out.
He stood at the window and watched her get into the waiting cab. She’d be back in three days and out of his life on the fourth. He had only himself to blame. Somehow, the knowledge made things worse.
* * *