I stood there for a moment, staring at the phone in my hand. This was it. The verdict on whether the Hale Syndicate would expand into Ironstone, whether I'd have a reason to stay.
Whether I'd have a chance at something resembling normal with the woman currently avoiding my gaze from the couch.
I walked back to the living room. Ivy looked up, and I could see her already building walls.
"I have a meeting tonight," I said.
"Oh." She set down her food. "Work?"
"Yeah. The potential contracts I mentioned." True enough, even if the contracts weren't quite what she imagined. "I need to go prepare."
Her expression shuttered. "Right. Of course."
"Ivy—"
"It's fine." She stood, gathering the food containers with jerky movements. "I have work tonight anyway. I should probably get ready."
I caught her wrist as she moved past me. "Don't do that."
"Do what?"
"Put your walls back up."
She met my eyes, and I saw the hurt there. The fear. "What do you expect me to do, Eric? You're leaving. Again."
"For a meeting. Not forever."
"How am I supposed to know the difference?"
Fair point. I'd given her no reason to trust that distinction.
"Can I come see you after?" I asked. "After work? Or tomorrow if you're free?"
She blinked, surprise flickering across her face. "You want to see me again?"
She really didn't have any faith left in me. I'd have to work my ass off regaining that trust and belief. I didn't blame her though. I had no right to expect anything from her.
"Of course I do."
"Even after you get what you want?"
The words stung, but I couldn't blame her for them. "This isn't about getting what I want and leaving, Ivy. I'm asking because I want to see you again. Tomorrow. Next week. As many times as you'll let me."
Some of the tension left her shoulders. "I get off around two in the morning usually."
"Okay, I'll come back here a little after two."
"You're sure? You'll be awake?"
"I'm sure." I pulled her closer, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "I know you don't believe me yet. But I'm not going anywhere. Not without you this time."
She searched my face, looking for the lie. When she didn't find it, something in her expression softened.
"Okay," she said quietly. "Come back after your meeting."
"I will."
I kissed her then, properly. Thoroughly. Trying to convey everything I couldn't say out loud.
