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“I have a deadline to meet, and I still have a lot of chapters to write. If I came to visit, I’d never get my book finished.”
“Yes.” Sean wiggles his brows. “We’d be too distracted—”
“Ugh!” Evie and I groan simultaneously. “I’ve told you both to refrain from saying things like that in my presence,” Evie rants while I push myself up.
“That’s my cue to leave,” I say. “You’re both adorable together, but I really don’t need to hear about your make-out sessions.”
Laughing, Sean waves at me. “Goodbye, bro. I’ll see you soon.”
“Yeah, can’t wait.” I hug the ladies and walk out of the office with my box of donuts.
When I get home, Tex is still sleeping. I have a session with the therapist in a bit, and I’m looking forward to it. It’s been so long since I could appreciate the simple things like hanging out with friends and family or just sitting around eating while watching TV.
My curtains are wide open, and the sunlight is streaming in. Last night, I even listened to music and didn’t cringe—the volume was low, but baby steps. I’ve come a long way. A few months back, holding a conversation with anyone was a challenge.
I think of Penny.
I’d still be buried in the rubble of darkness if not for her. Until I saved her from the cliff, I’d been comfortable in my trauma. However, since she fell back into my life and weaseled her way back into my heart, I’ve experienced a powerful need to be Liam again. Not this shell of a man I’d become.
The space beside me dips, and I turn to see Tex stretching on the chair, his tail wagging happily. My mind relaxes, and I laugh.
“Hi, sleepyhead,” I tease him, giving his head a kiss. “Come on, bub.” I get up from the couch and gesture at him to follow me. “Potty time first, then breakfast.”
Chapter 23
Penny
“Hey, Barb. I’m at Espresso Yourself. What do you want?”
Barb, my colleague from the library, called to ask if I could stop and grab her a coffee before heading to work. Evidently, my coffee addiction hasn’t slipped my colleagues’ notice. Since I’m in the mood to be nice, I’m dropping off breakfast for my sister, too. Get two birds with one stone.
“Yay. Thanks, Penny. Double espresso with heavy cream and one sugar, please.”
“You got it.” I push the car door open. “See you soon.”
“Thanks again. Bye.”
I grab my purse and throw my phone in it. I quickly hurry toward the entrance of Espresso Yourself when the door opens, and a familiar figure steps out. I freeze. My legs suddenly feel caught in quicksand, and my heart falls to the floor.
It’s Andrew.
When he sees me he does a double take. The shock in his eyes quickly turns to a coldness that sends a chill throughout my body. He sidesteps me and continues to move toward his car like I don’t exist. Nothing that I don’t deserve for what I did, but it still hurts. I swallow my pride and chase after him.
“Andrew,” I call, but he ignores me. When I get close enough I grab his arm, forcing him to halt. My heart is pounding so loudly in my ears I barely hear myself talk. “Andy. I-I didn’t know you were back.”
He gently untangles his arm from my grip and turns to me, blowing a heavy sigh from his lips. He meets my gaze. His eyes are dark and unwelcoming as he stares into mine.
“What do you want, Penny?” Even his tone is hard and cold.
“I wanted to talk to you.” I say softly. “We need to talk.”
“Talk about what, Penny?” He asks. “I think you said everything when you left me standing, alone, at the altar in front of all our family and friends.” He jerks his car door open, and I put my hand on the car door window to stop him again. I understand why he’s treating me this way, and I know I deserve it but I can’t stop myself from needing to explain to him why I did it.
“Please. Andrew, let me explain. If you never want to speak to me again after, I promise to never bother you again.”
The hardness in his eyes softens for a brief second before they turn cold again. He’s quiet for so long that I’m not sure he’s ever going to respond.
“Fine, but not here. You’re making a scene.”
