Page 110 of I Choose You

“Thanks.” She dropped her gaze to them, seeming slow to react.

I picked up the file she’d carried them in and handed that over too. “Here.”

She nodded, chewing on her lip.

“I appreciate you taking the time to sign them.”

I shrugged. “Sure. It’s not a big deal.”

“Mm-hmm.” She sighed, stuffing the documents back in the folder. She made no move to back up or turn around. Her reluctance stretched into not making eye contact, too.

I didn’t need her to say it. I could sense it. She wanted to linger. To talk. Something. But my company was no longer hers to manipulate. I forgave her. I did. I meant it when I told her that. At the same time, I simply couldn’t put myself back out there. I didn’t want to welcome more pain of missing her. Her rejection still stung.

“Do you need anything else?” I asked, steepling my hands together.

She opened her mouth quickly and lifted her gorgeous green eyes to mine. Her tongue peeked out as she licked her lower lip, but with the way her brow furrowed and her shoulders rose on a quick breath, like she prepared to say something, I knew she wasn’t trying to mess with me. This wasn’t the same coy, sex-kitten look she’d used on me before.

I won’t repeat the mistake of falling for that again if she tried.

She closed her lips. “What?”

You fucking heard me the first time.

“Do you need anything else?” I asked.

She looked down and shook her head. “Nope. That was all.”

I kept my tone terse, but I made sure that I wasn’t mean. I forgave her, but I wasn’t going to backtrack on what I said. Business only.

And the wedding.

“If you could, please remember to plan for your attendance this weekend.”

My God. Stop being a dick. That formal crap wasn’t necessary. She arched her brows.

“The next wedding event is this weekend.”

She nodded. “Yep. Which thing is it again?”

“Shopping extravaganza at my dad’s estate,” I replied.

“You’ll be there, won’t you?” Dad asked as he entered my office.

Brooke flinched at his voice, just slightly, but she turned and smiled at him. “Sure. I’ll be there. Thanks for inviting me.”

“Oh, of course.” He set his hand on her back in a quick pat. “You’ll be up at the head table after all.” He winked at her, then beamed at me.

I forced a smile, refraining from making eye contact with her.

She shrugged, smiling sheepishly. “I’ll admit I’ve never been to one before.”

“Oh, you’ll love it. It was Margaux’s idea.”

“What do I need to do?” She glanced between Dad and me.

“Several designers will bring wardrobes of clothes for special guests to choose from. The bridal party will be there, as well as groomsmen.”

“Oh.” She held up her hand. “Please don’t go to any fuss to include me.”