Page 82 of His Surrender

I’m becoming a human ping-pong ball.

Back and forth, back and forth, with every emotion contradicting the last one.

I want her close, and then I push her away. I don’t recognize myself anymore.

“We’re heading out,” Aubrey says.

I force my attention back to her face. “Have fun.”

Sydney smirks ever so slightly. “I think we will.”

Aubrey offers a small wave. “See you later.” She turns around and looks me up and down. “Oh, and … don’t wait up.”

Ouch. I know that’s a dig at me. She’s telling me she will not be texting me with updates on her whereabouts.

I don’t know how long I’m replaying her words when the elevator dings again. Sawyer strolls out first, Kayla right behind him.

“There he is.” Sawyer points at me. “The grumpiest billionaire in Manhattan.”

“I’m not grumpy.”

Kayla laughs. “You absolutely are.”

She immediately walks over and reaches for Liana. “Come see Aunt Kayla.”

“What are you two doing here?” I ask.

Sawyer tosses his keys onto the kitchen island. “We’re going out.”

I shake my head. “I’m staying in.”

“No, you’re not.” He walks into the family room and stands next to Kayla, who is currently kissing Liana’s cheek.

“I’m tired.”

Sawyer snorts. “No. I’ve watched you stare out your office window for two straight weeks.”

“I work.”

“You brood.” He claps a hand on my shoulder. “Kayla volunteered to steal Liana.”

“I did,” Kayla confirms happily. “I’m ordering takeout, watching movies, and spoiling her rotten.”

Sawyer grins. “And you’re coming to have a drink.”

“I’m really not in the mood.”

“Exactly.” He gives my shoulder a firm squeeze. “That’s why we’re leaving.”

For the first time all evening, I glance toward the now-empty elevator.

Aubrey is gone. The apartment suddenly feels strangely hollow.

Maybe Sawyer’s right. Maybe getting out of the penthouse for a couple of hours is exactly what I need.

“So, I told him to shut the fuck up,” Sawyer says as he tells a story.

I take a sip of the amber liquid. Something catches my eye to the right of the room. I do a quick glance and nearly spit out my drink.