I didn’t expect that response at all.
“I was hoping that we could…” He hesitated. “Not try again. But maybe..start over?”
I uncrossed my arms and rested my hands on my lap. I ran my left thumb over my right thumbnail. “Start over how?”
“Dating. Getting to know each other. Starting a relationship that could grow into much more.”
His blue eyes burned into mine as he answered my question. His words were as sincere as his expression. And they made my chest tight.
“In secret?” I asked.
He shook his head. “Of course not.”
“You’re comfortable with our mutual friends knowing that we’re dating?”
He nodded.
“So, you told Marcus about me before you two purchased the gallery?”
His silence was the only answer I needed. I knew he hadn’t. There was no way Marcus would have gone along with the plan if he’d known. It opened both of them up to a possible lawsuit. Especially since Elijah was pursuing me now that it was done.
I wouldn’t have sued either of them, but Marcus was pragmatic and shrewd. He would never risk it.
His next words shocked me, though.
“I did. The whole thing was the crazy bastard’s idea to help me win you back.”
I gaped at him. “What?”
Elijah nodded, looking sheepish. “I talked to him the night of Yancy’s rehearsal dinner, and he came up with this insanity. I tried to tell him that you would probably quit on the spot when you found out, but he insisted it would all work out.” He sighed, rubbing a hand over his face. “I was so desperate that I was willing to try anything, even though I knew it was probably a horrible idea. I just wanted to be able to see you again.”
I wasn’t sure if I was flattered or pissed off. He’d spent what was likely an ungodly amount of money for a chance to be my boss and see me every day.
Unable to discern my true feelings, I tabled the conundrum for later. I would parse through the complicated emotions when I was alone. Right now, I wasn’t ready to risk giving him what he wanted. The pain was too fresh, too sharp.
I leaned forward, folding my forearms on the table. “I’m glad that you’re taking the time to learn about yourself and to understand why you’ve avoided commitment.”
“But?”
Glad he’d intuited I had more to say, I continued, “You’re manipulating me to get what you want. You’re still doing one of the things that led us to where we are.”
He blanched at my words.
I took pity on him and said, “Even if that wasn’t the case, I still think it’s best if we leave things as they are. You’re still figuring out what you want, and I—” I stopped to clear my throat. It was suddenly tight and ached. “I’m not sure I could trust you to tell me what you’re thinking and feeling before it becomes an issue.”
“Please give me a chance, Grier. I promise I won’t need another.”
“I—”
He leaned forward, and I stopped speaking. “Give me a chance to prove that I’m serious. I miss you. And I…I need you.”
God, this was so hard. It hurt to do it, but I shook my head. “I really am sorry if it hurts you, Elijah, but I’ve made up my mind.”
My chest ached as he looked at me, his eyes conveying everything he was feeling. I knew he meant what he said, but people usually did. I’d learned to recognize lies. He was being honest. But that didn’t mean he wouldn’t go right back to old behavior if I caved. I’d faced it often growing up and even as an adult. Classmates, boyfriends, and many others—they would all apologize when they made mistakes and promise to do better. And they usually meant it. But it wouldn’t be long until they were right back to their old ways. At least for most of them. A few of them had changed, but not enough to inspire my confidence in Elijah’s words.
“Will you give me a chance to at least try to change your mind? Please.”
My conviction wavered. I wanted to give in. I wanted to hope again. To believe that he would follow through and we could build something special. Elijah saw my hesitation, but he didn’t push as I expected him to. He didn’t steamroll me until I agreed. He sat back.
