“What?” I snap. “Why am I the last to know?”
“You’re not. He is going to take over as governor and relieve you of all responsibility.”
“The fuck?” I push up from my chair and stride to the window, crossing my arms as I stare out at an empty court. “Who on the board agreed to this.”
“No one. Only our family knows.”
“I’mfucking family. It would have been nice to be consulted. Asked.”
“I,” he says firmly. “Took charge. You need to go to Australia and be with BJ. I don’t know how long you’ll need to stay, but we don’t want you worrying about matters here. If you want a position back on the board, then it’s yours.”
“Fucking kind of you.” Franklin pisses me off when he acts like my father. Then I realize what he’s telling me. I spin around. “I’m free to go?”
A subtle smile grows on his lips. “Whenever you want. The jet is being prepared as we speak.”
I run to him as he stands and places his whiskey glass on the table. I jump into his strong arms and wrap my arms around his back, pushing my face into his shirt to muffle a happy sob. “Does BJ know?”
“He is aware of the plan.” He pats my back. “There is something else. Before you leave… I was helping BJ secure a winery. The sale has been approved. Our family owns half. Stay, set up a life with him, and come back to LA whenever you want. But support him through this time first because he needs you, Lottie.”
I shake my head, bewildered. “He told me not to come.”
“He didn’t want to force you or do anything to hurt the team.”
“He’s an idiot. There was never a choice,” I blurt out.
He pats my back slowly, gently. “A man in love will always be an idiot.”
“Ain’t that the truth.”
42
CHARLOTTE
My dreamof summer and swimming in the ocean at Brandon’s Malibu home has switched to arriving in the southern part of Australia in early spring, and I was warned it’s cold. I wouldn’t trade it as I’m going to be with him, and it beats fighting the heavy pain in my chest from worrying every other second.
Our phone calls have been short. He’s struggled for words to say other than a hoarsethank you.
Our text messages are even shorter.
If I know Brandon, he will be filled with guilt that I’m leaving my job, my family, and everything I love to be with him. Then he’ll persecute himself for being selfish. If only he knew I’m the selfish one as I can’t live another day without him.
I love him and will run to wherever he is in the world faster than one of Byron’s bullet passes.
The plane lands in a gray fog that came from the ocean. It was the universe preparing me that the days to come were not going to be bright and sunny. Literally. The ocean I longed for is there, but only a tease. As we descended, I was close enough to see the white caps of a turbulent sea, angry and unhospitable.
Do something once, and the memory comes back to you.
Like navigating the smaller airport. I’m through customs quickly, and when I get to the gates, I see him. Tall, standing above the crowd. I want to run into Brandon’s arms and kiss him like a lost lover, but everything has changed since the last time.
The moment he sees me, he cracks a subtle smile. Without a word, he takes my bag from my hand and pulls me in for a welcoming hug. He nuzzles his face into my shoulder, and strong arms around my back tighten.
We don’t move.
Commuters walk around us, but we remain still as though time is nothing, and we need to savor the moment. When Brandon lifts his head, his lips immediately find mine. He tastes of salt from silent tears he’s never bothered to wipe away.
Taking his face in my hands, I break the kiss. My heart sinks at the tiredness in his eyes. He looks… older. And so fucking sad. “Hey, I’m here, and I’m not going anywhere.”
He has that look that he doesn’t believe me. Or that I will run if things become hard.
