‘You can stay at mine,’ Callum said without thinking.
‘Sorry?’
He looked at her and saw she was shocked. Then, realising that Tasha might take his offer the wrong way, added hastily, ‘I have two bedrooms and you’re more than welcome to move into the spare room for as long as you like.’
‘Really?’ she sounded surprised and, he noted, a little tearful.
‘Of course.’
‘That’s so kind of you. Thank you.’
‘No need for thanks, Tasha. I’m only too glad to be able to help you after what you’ve been through today.’
39
TASHA
‘This is very kind of you, Callum,’ Tasha said again as Callum parked his car outside the apartment she was sharing with Riley. ‘All of this would be so much harder without your support.’
‘I’m glad I’m able to be of help.’ He looked at the front door. ‘Would you rather I came up with you while you pack, or should I stay down here and wait in the car?’
As far as Tasha was concerned she had already taken far too much advantage of Callum’s generosity. ‘I’ll be fine.’ She got out of the car and bent down, resting her palms on the door to speak through the open window to him. ‘I’ll be as quick as I can.’
He smiled. ‘There’s no rush. I can catch up on emails here. Bellow from the balcony if you need me to help carry your bags down for you.’
‘Thanks, but I’m sure I’ll be fine.’
She hurried into the lobby and took the lift up to the penthouse, relieved to know that Riley would be busy at the farm filming his next scene. Hopefully they would keep Riley long enough for her to pack, write him a note and get well away from the apartment and avoid any unnecessary confrontation with him.
Feeling slightly calmer at the prospect of not having to face Riley again until she was calmer and ready to do so, Tasha grabbed her case and smaller bag and set to packing her things. She decided not to bother wasting time by folding everything neatly. Callum had put himself out enough for her today.
Tasha hated the thought of imposing on him but needed somewhere to stay to get her head straight. Although she had felt like leaving Riley many times over the past three years, and had threatened to do so on several occasions, she hadn’t ever made any solid plans about what she would do next.
What happened if she didn’t find work, or somewhere to live? Could she in all honesty contact her parents and ask to return home to stay with them for a few weeks until she worked out what do to next while putting up with their I-told-you-sos? She was miserable at the thought of doing that when her parents would only repeat their initial concerns when she had given up her career in banking to work for an actor.
No, she wasn’t in that much of a predicament to ask them for somewhere to stay. Not yet, anyway.
Having checked the drawers and cupboards in her bedroom and en-suite bathroom, Tasha took a walk around the living room and open-plan kitchen to double-check that she hadn’t forgotten anything. Once she left this place she had no intention of returning. When she did speak to Riley again, it would be on her terms and when and where it suited her.
Hearing the lift outside in the hallway, Tasha tensed. Surely Riley couldn’t be back here already?
Wanting to get out of the apartment as soon as possible, she ran into her bedroom, slipped on her jacket and picked up her case and her bag, slipping her phone into the back pocket in her trousers. She would send him an email later explaining about his diary dates for the next week and forward his flight information for his return to London the following week. Riley would be furious to be left this way, but it was too bad. He should have thought about that before insulting her as he had done.
She thought of Dale and wondered whether she should copy him into her email to Riley, deciding it was a good idea. Dale knew what he was doing when it came to logistics in Riley’s busy life. He would know what was needed if she gave him all the necessary details in advance.
Satisfied that she wasn’t being too unkind by leaving, Tasha reached out to take the door handle but before she had a chance to grab it the door flew back, making her jump back to avoid being hit.
‘You’re still here then?’ Riley said sniffily. He made a point of looking at her case and bag. ‘Although only just.’ He stepped inside the room and closed the door behind him. ‘I think the least you owe me is an explanation about where the hell you think you’re going, Tasha. Don’t you?’
She glared at him, her stomach a jumbled mess of anxiety as she tried to keep her cool and not give in to his anger. ‘Where I’m going is none of your business, Riley.’
He gave a mocking snort. ‘I think you’ll find that it is while you’re under my employ, which, unless I’m very much mistaken, you still are.’
‘No, I’m not.’
He frowned, seeming confused. ‘Look, Tasha, why don’t you put those bags down and let’s talk sensibly. I’m sorry I behaved as I did. You’re sorry you resigned?—’
‘But that’s where you’re wrong, Riley. I’m not sorry, and whether you are or not, I really don’t care. I’ve been getting more and more miserable with each passing day working for you.’
