“Ava.”
Her tone caught my attention, and I met her gaze. She looked concerned, her green eyes clouded with worry.
“Life is too short to do nothing but work.”
“I know.”
“Ronan said you’re getting some help. You need to take advantage of that and have a holiday.”
I rubbed my temples. “I’ll talk to Addi about it.”
She leaned close, laying her hand over mine. “Is there something else?”
I forced a smile. “What else could there be?”
“Maybe a certain neighbor has caught your attention?”
“Ronan has a big mouth,” I groused.
She shook her head. “Ronan didn’t say anything. I see the way your gaze looks in that direction. I’ve dropped by a few times, and you’re not home but your car is there. Once I came, and I heard the sound of a male voice—” she held up her hand before I could protest “—and a dog. Hunter has a dog.” Then she smiled, her voice filled with affection. “And I know my daughter. You’ve been crying, and that is unusual. Something is troubling you. Something is on your mind. I think the same thing that was on Hunter’s mind the day I saw him. Each other.”
I sighed. “Mom, it’s complicated.”
She waved her hand. “This entire family thrives on complicated.”
“He doesn’t want to be part of this family. Part of any family. It’s not serious between us. It’s just a ‘for now’ thing.” I smiled ruefully. “I know it’s not what you want to hear, but it’s the truth.”
She regarded me shrewdly. “Is it?”
I looked down, picking at an imaginary thread on my shirt. “It is for him.”
“But for you?”
“It doesn’t matter. I agreed to the terms. He was very clear.”
“People can change their minds.”
I shook my head, sadness wrapping around my heart. “Hunter is steadfast in his determination. He-he’s damaged, Mom. His upbringing was as bad as Dad’s. Very similar to Maddox’s. Neglect and pain. He’s convinced he can’t love. That life holds nothing for him but an endless trail of searching.”
“Then help him find what he is searching for.”
“He won’t let me.” I swallowed. “I think, maybe this time, love and patience aren’t enough.”
“Only you can decide that. I hate to see you suffer.”
“I hate seeing him suffer when he doesn’t have to.”
She took my hand. “I can’t tell you what to do. But I will say this. Love doesn’t always have an HEA like the books we read. If this relationship hurts you, you need to step away. If he can’t return your feelings, he isn’t the one for you. But if you want to fight for him, then fight. But don’t fight forever. Nothing and no one are worth that sort of pain. As hard as it is, you have to decide what is right for you. But don’t lose yourself doing it. Because you are too special, my girl. And if Hunter can’t see that, then the problem is his, not yours. Don’t let him rob you of that.”
She stood and kissed my forehead the way she had when I was a child. I inhaled her comforting scent of jasmine and floral. She patted my cheek and walked away, leaving me alone with my thoughts.
I only wished they weren’t such a jumbled mess in my head.
* * *
Monday and Tuesday were endless. I felt as if part of me were missing. I longed to hear Hunter’s voice. To see his face, feel his touch. I didn’t know if telling me his history had been too much for him or if it all had been too overwhelming. Me, my brothers, the house. Or perhaps, as he suggested, his need to move on had hit him and he’d decided to distance himself now.
I went through the motions. Attended meetings, interviewed some candidates for my assistant plus the extra body Addi wanted in the office to take care of all the filing and general work that needed to be handled for all of us. He or she would help out in all areas, going where required, and learning about all aspects of the business.
“I liked him,” Addi mused, holding up a résumé. “He was a straight shooter. Open.” She smirked. “Outspoken. He’d represent us well.” She flipped the page. “With his experience, he’d take a lot off your plate.”
“Yes, I liked Robert too. He’s used to much more responsibility, though. Will he be happy being part of a team?”
She regarded me quietly, a small frown pulling down her lips. “He’s looking to cut back since his wife gave birth. He was honest about that. I think he’d be thrilled to be part of a great team here.” Addi’s short nails made a clicking sound as she tapped them on the top of her desk. “And frankly, you need the help. And a holiday.”
I met her concerned eyes and shook my head, silently begging her not to go there right now. She frowned again but nodded. “We also need to hire a couple of good foremen and create some new teams. I am tired of the bullshit we’re going through hiring outside teams. I know it saves us money with salaries and benefits, but I’m not happy with the attitudes and problems we’re running into. I discussed it with Dad, and he agrees.”