Dark eyes soften, and she kisses my lips. “I promise.”
* * *
Ember and Coco are safe and secure in the cottage when I leave. Coco demands a detailed explanation of where I’m going and when I’ll be back. I can’t tell her everything, but she’s satisfied with my promise to call and hear her decrees for Atlantia every night. She’s as adorably bossy as her mother, who stands back quietly smiling, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.
Pain twists in my gut, and I pull her to my chest, holding her small body molded perfectly into mine.
“I’ll be back in a few days,” I say against her head.
Her slim arms are around my waist, and she nods against my chest.
“Nonstop calling, texts until my thumbs fall off,” I continue.
She only nods again.
“We’re in control of what’s happening now.” My hands travel up her arms to her shoulders, and I move her back to see my eyes. Hers are still gleaming, so I kiss one, then the other. “Tabby has instructions to keep an eye on you. Chad is still searching for Bucky, who I owe an ass-kicking…”
Her nose wrinkles, and she shakes her head. “I’m pretty sure he’s running scared.”
“Still.” I touch her chin with my thumb. “While I’m away, I’ve made sure you’re protected.”
“Who’s protecting you?”
My palm cups her cheek, and I kiss her deeply, pushing her lips apart, tongues colliding. She moves in closer, and heat rises below my belt.
I could kiss her forever, but I take a breath, lifting my chin with a groan. “Fucking unfinished business.”
“I’ll be waiting for you,” she says, and I kiss her hand before getting in my truck.
* * *
Driving The Beast into the city, I rehearse the plan in my mind. I’ll schedule a meeting with Brice first thing this morning, tell him what he has to do, and give him two days to come clean.
When I’d gone to his estate, I was shocked and reeling and trying to figure out how and if I was implicated in his deception. I hadn’t made an ultimatum.
Leaving, going to Oceanside, finding Emberly and Coco and knowing what I want for my life has put everything into perspective. I won’t be the guy who knows about something like this and lets it go without a word. Even if it’s career suicide, I’m not covering it up. The stakes are too high.
Standing in the lobby of the twenty-story high-rise, I smooth my hand down the front of my custom tailored suit. It’s dark grey with only the faintest pinstripes. It fits my body like a glove, no bagging or extra fabric. I remember being angry before if such things weren’t right. My image was all I had.
It’s been weeks since I’ve worn a suit, and w
hile I still like the feel of it, the attraction of being in this place has faded. Using my card, I’m able to enter the building before business hours. I’ve come early to beat the crowd, to avoid the surprised questions of where I’ve been and why I’m back. I have one purpose in being here—to confront Brice and resign.
Polished steel doors open, and I step inside the glossy wood-lined box. I hit the button labeled 21 and the doors close. Riding up in silence, I reflect on the decade I buried myself in paper and books and cases hoping to forget her.
I’m not even angry about it. Knowledge is never wasted. I’m glad for the experience. I just have a different life waiting for me back home. My priorities have changed.
With a ding, the doors slide open, and I step out onto pale marble tiles. The gleaming glass doors etched with the words Wagner & Bancroft greet me. A new receptionist is behind the desk, and I’m glad I don’t have to see Tiffany again. This one is short with dyed red hair cut in a classic bob, bangs and all.
“I’m sorry.” She stands quickly, hitching her navy skirt up at the waist of her pinstripe oxford shirt. She briefly reminds me of Tabby with her winged eyeliner and red lips. “Do you have an appointment?”
“Hello…” Leaning forward, I read her name off the plate. “Erica. I’m Jack Lockwood, one of the partners here.”
“Oh!” A perfectly outlined brow arches, and green eyes quickly scan the cut of my suit. “Mr. Lockwood. I thought you were… on leave.”
Figures they’d make up some bullshit story about why I disappeared so abruptly. “I’ve been out of town,” I say. “I have a meeting this morning with Mr. Wagner.”
A few mouse clicks and green eyes move to mine. “Mr. Wagner doesn’t have you on his schedule for today.”