She gets a scowl that only makes me want to place a kiss right between her eyes to remove it. “What’s the question?”
“How is life treating you, Cici? Are you happy being back home? Or is something… missing?”As in me…?
She sighs dramatically. “Yeah, my whole life is missing, since this isn’t my home anymore. I’m happy in Bozeman, and I miss it. I love being here with Lily, but it’s not where I belong. I have a job, my condo, friends… a whole other life, and it’s difficult to be away. I didn’t want to come back, and if it weren’t for Lily… I’m not sure I would have. Does that answer your question?”
“Thoroughly.” After my obvious innuendo, it’s apparent she truly has no interest in becoming more. What the fuck was I thinking? “I’m sorry, Cici. It sounds like you made quite the sacrifice. Jackson’s lucky to have you. It can’t be easy with the rift between you and your parents either.” I might as well get to the heart of Jackson’s concern so I can let her be. She may still want me as badly as I want her, but that’s where it ends—for her anyway.
“It’s not the greatest feeling in the world, but I’ve come to terms with it and don’t let them bother me anymore unless Rebecca mentions them. But now that I’ve asked her not to tell me when they call, it’s been better.” She must read the skepticism on my face and continues, “Really, I’m fine. I’m glad to spend time with Lily and help with the wedding way more than I could have from home. And besides, it’s not forever. The two months I agreed to are already halfway over.”
“You realize it might take longer than that to find Mia’s dad, right? Or will you tell him he has to quit looking and come home?”
“Okay, Mr. Pessimist. Of course, I wouldn’t. I also can’t stay forever.”
“What’s your endgame, then?”
“What does it matter right now? I thought you came to ask how I’m doing, not stress me out more, geez almighty.”
I run my hand through my hair, frustrated in so many ways. “I just don’t want you to be blindsided if he needs more time. It’s not an unlikely scenario.”
“Got it. I’ll make a mental note.” She points to her temple. “Anything else you’d like to know or make sure I’m aware of?” Her anger is bubbling under the surface, and if I push any more, she’ll go batshit.
“Sorry, cutie. I didn’t mean to come here and cause you grief—just to pay a visit. I care about you. And to be honest… I may have had an ulterior motive. You’re here. I’m here. We’re fire together, and I’d love nothing more than to rekindle the flame.” She opens her mouth to talk, but I stop her. “However, you’ve made your objections clear, and I’ll accept your decision. I’ll admit, it won’t be easy, but I’ll let you be.”
“Thank you. And anyway, aren’t you too busy running your billion-dollar company to take time wandering over to my neck of the woods? I have a feeling that if I gave in to you, you’d be here more often than not.”
“I’m never too busy for you. My job is mostly oversight, and I’ve got it down to a science. Lucky for me, Sebastian is a workaholic, so he does most of the heavy lifting. I’d feel bad if Lily weren’t one floor away from him all day in the marketing department, but we both know he’s where he wants to be. I’d have all the time in the world for you, and if I didn’t, I’d make time.”
“Eli. Stop being so damn perfect. You’re making it very hard to resist. Ugh. Listen, I’m leaving soon. We’ll both regret it if we cross the line only to say goodbye again. Hey, let’s enjoy being friends. Youarepractically my brother-in-law.”
I laugh with a shake of my head. “Yeah, no… I will never think of you as my sister-in-law, but nice try.”
She laughs. Seeing her smile lightens my mood and brings a semblance of peace that’s sure to disappear the minute I leave, but then I have an idea.
“Since we are friends, could you help me out with something next week?” I ask nonchalantly, not wanting to give away how hopeful I am that she’ll say yes.
“Depends. What do you need help with?”
“There’s a restaurant in our portfolio that’s looking to change their menu, and they want us to pop in to taste the new dishes first. I set something up for Monday when they’re closed, but Sebastian had a conflict. You could be his stand-in. You’d be doing me a solid—plus, it’s your favorite… Italian,” I say enticingly.
“Hmm, it’s tempting.”
“Come on, you’d be helping me out. If I’m the only one to show up, they may not take my word for it. And it would be awkward eating by myself.”
“What time on Monday?” she asks, still sounding unsure.
“Since they’re closed, anytime. Tell me what works for you, and I’ll make it happen.”
She checks her schedule before answering, “Okay, fine. I can leave a little early that day. Let me know when, and I’ll block it out.”
“All right, I’ll text you a time and let you get back to work.”
“Sounds good. Hey, thank you for the plant.”
“You’re welcome, cutie. And stop avoiding me now. I’ll back off. But know you can call me for anything.” I can’t resist…. “And I meananything.” I wink.
“God, you’re such a pervert. Get out of here before I change my mind.” She throws a pen at me, laughing.
I catch it, then stand, holding it out for her to take, giving me an opportunity to caress her hand. Walking to the door, I turn to say goodbye. “See ya Monday.”
