We sit there, quiet with tension mounting between us. Her chest is heaving, and my focus is all on her lips. Biting down, she doesn’t realize how tempting she is with a simple, innocent stare.
Despite my reluctance to do so, I need to inform her of my intentions, rather than her assuming I’m leaving her without a goodbye. “I’m heading back to London tonight.”
Her demeanor changes instantly as the words leave my mouth, eyes widening as her brows furrow. The change catches me by surprise, so quickly, I reassure her, “I expect to be back in New York next Friday.”
“As in, two weeks away?” she asks, quietly.
Averting my eyes, my chest tightens at the realization I’m about to leave her again. Good ole Lex, you just can’t get your shit together. I want to stay with her, but the meetings scheduled in London are crucial to the Lexed Group. They have taken months to plan, one of them a business conference with shareholders in attendance.
“Yes,” I say, watching her grab her purse.
“I’ve really got to go.” She stands, avoiding eye contact. “My next meeting is in twenty minutes.”
“Can I call or text you?” I beg, standing up.
“I’m really booked up with appointments this week and a few events I need to attend.”
“With Julian?” I ask, regretting it immediately.
“Lex, don’t.”
“Charlotte, c’mon…” I reach out my hand, but she recoils. “Why do you have to go? Please stay a little while longer.”
“Goodbye, Lex.” She storms out of the coffee shop, and once again, my whole world is crashing down around me.
Leaving me here alone, I try to figure out what I’ve done so wrong. I told her my intentions of going back to London and of my return date. Surely, as a business owner herself, she knows the kind of responsibilities I have to uphold.
But something changed in her, and I don’t know why.
This isn’t goodbye—far from it.
I’m going to go to London to sort out all the shit there, then get set up here. All I have to do is get through the next two weeks without seeing her.
If I can last nine years without her, I can last two damn weeks. At least that’s what I tell myself.
Yes, I can do that.
I’m used to being in control.
Then why does it fucking hurt like hell to leave?
CHARLIE
Meeting Lex for coffee is a bad idea.
I thought I could act mature, ignore his flirtatious ways, but I am weak. And then he mentions flying back to London. My reaction takes me by surprise.
I am livid.
At him.
At me.
He’s sitting in front of me, and every part of me hates the fact that I miss him, even though I no longer know him. He isn’t the man I fell in love with many years ago. Lex Edwards has changed into this controlling, heartless creature who only thinks about his needs.
When I ask him how long he will be away I have officially let my guard down, regretting the words immediately. I can’t understand my actions. I’ve spent years building up a thick skin given my line of work, and in just a few short days, everything I’ve spent years achieving is now an afterthought.
Around him, I crumble, and I hate that.