I felt a wave of relief the size of a tsunami wash over me. That’s all I needed, another chance. I wasn’t going to screw up again… at least I won’t make the same mistake.
“Thank you,” I said.
She smiled and then said, “Now, tell me what my hung over miscreant of a roommate said. I might have some apologizing to do myself.”
I laughed, and then suddenly not knowing what came over me I blurted out, “I love you.”
She looked shocked and I was afraid I had screwed up again, already. Then she got up and moved over next to me on the couch and she said, “I love you too.” As we kissed, I knew in my heart that life was never going to be the same. I wouldn’t find out for a few weeks just how different it would be.
~
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
~
ERIN
Seth and I spent a lot of time together at my apartment after the day he came to see me to apologize. I had sadly put away the photographs of my parents and the mementos from my father’s business, promising them that soon it would all be out in the open and I could once again be the woman they intended me to be: Adele Morgan, CEO of Morgan Corp. I think in spite of the fact that Seth was James Hunter’s son they would have really liked him. I know that they would be happy for me. I was happier than I had been in years. The only nagging little issue that still pulled at the back of my mind was how Seth would react when he found out the truth. It was inevitable if I planned to have a life with him… and I did.
“Hey gorgeous.” I was working on a proposal on my computer when Seth stuck his head in the door. It had been three weeks since James Hunter’s ball and our relationship was stronger than ever.
“Hi boss! How’s the day going?”
He came in and closed the door. I could see by the look on his face that he had something he wanted to discuss with me. I knew before he opened his mouth that it had something to do with James. “My father just called,” he said.
“Oh,” I’d been doing my best every time he mentioned James to subtly remind him that he was everything his father wasn’t. I was hoping it would give him the confidence he needed to stand up to him when he needed to.
He smiled and mimicking me he said, “Oh.”
I laughed, “I was just waiting for the details,” I said.
“Which are usually not good,” he grinned. “This case is as iffy as most… he wants us to come to dinner tomorrow night at the estate.”
“Us?”
“Yes, us. He specifically asked me to bring you.”
“Wow. So is this good or bad news?”
“I’m hoping that this is him trying to be a decent human being. Maybe he’s finally feeling bad about his behavior. Maybe he wants to apologize to you.”
I laughed again. “Sorry, I’m sorry. I just have a hard time imagining that. But anything is possible.” He had looked so hopeful for a few seconds and I realized I’d taken that from him. “I’m really sorry, babe. You’re probably right.”
He reached over and took my hand and squeezed it. “You have every right to be skeptical. If you don’t want to go, I completely understand.”
“No!” I wanted to go. I wanted to go for Seth’s sake and I also wanted another crack at the papers in that study. “I do want to go. Everyone deserves a second chance, right? I wouldn’t be a very nice person myself if I didn’t give him at least that.”
He squeezed my hand again and smiled. “Thank you,” he said. “This is his last chance. I’ve already asked him to be polite to you. I will do more than ask if he’s rude to you again.”
“I know you will,” I told him with a smile. He had come a long way where James was concerned. Harlan even told me that as CEO he’d over-ridden a couple of James’s ideas lately. That was huge for Seth.
***
The following day I did some more shopping and finally settled on a beige dress that ended just above my knees. The neckline was rounded and appropriate for a family dinner yet it was elegant and made me feel pretty. Seth solidified that thought with a low whistle when I opened the door. “Wow. Let’s skip dinner and stay here. You look… wow, I don’t even have words.”
I laughed, “Thank you. Sometimes no words are better than words could ever be. You look pretty wordless yourself.” He was wearing a black suit with a red paisley tie. He was beautiful, as usual.
“Are you ready? Or… did you like my idea about just staying here?”