That’s the only reason why I’m reaching out, I tell myself.
It’s bullshit, and I know it. I miss having her around, but I don’t let myself go down that road. We really do need to make a plan for next weekend, and since it’s her family, I’m following her lead.
“Call Brielle,” I say into the commands.
It rings enough times that I almost hang up, but just before I get sent to voicemail, she answers.
“Mr. Edgerton, hello.” Her voice is smooth and professional. Like her boss calling her after hours on her personal cell is completely normal.
“Damian,” I correct, letting her know that this isn’t a work call.
“I didn’t think Damian was supposed to be calling me,” she retorts.
“Are you backing out of the family thing next weekend? Because last I knew, we still had one more go-round before this is over.”
A beat of silence on the other end of the phone before Brielle responds. “Yeah, I’m still going.”
“Do you not want me to accompany you anymore?” I ask. My stomach twists uncomfortably.. “Decide to take your sister up on her offer instead?”
“God no,” she huffs.
I let the silence wrap around us. This has nothing to do with me. It’s her call to make. If she wants to go alone, she just needs to tell me so. But if she still wants me to go with her, I will.
“Tell me what you want from me, Brielle.”
I hear her swallow on the other end of the phone. I’m hanging on to her noises, waiting for her response.
“It’s… fine. It’s too late, anyway. My flight leaves on Friday, and they’re probably sold out. I kind of forgot it was right around the corner with everything else.”
“I don’t give a fuck about the flights, Brielle. Do you want me there with you?”
“Yes. But I shouldn’t,” she says quietly.
I get that. I feel the same. But there is something addictive about Brielle. About the way she stands up to me. The way she bonded withMaggie instantly. The way she sees the world through her own unique lens.
“Come downstairs.”
“You’re here?” she asks.
“Yes. If you have other plans, cancel them. I’m waiting out front.”
“So bossy,” I hear her say as she hangs up the phone. A smile pulls at my mouth. It isn’t until she comes out a few minutes later that I feel a sense of being settled.
She stops to talk to Pete, so I move around to the passenger side and open the door for her.
“Thanks,” she says as she passes me to get to the car.
“You changed.” She’s not wearing the black work slacks and flowy blouse she wore to the office anymore. Instead, she’s in a pair of tight leggings and an oversized sweatshirt that swallows her delicate frame.
“Thought I was going out with Damian for the night, but if I’m here with Mr. Edgerton, I’ll go change back.” She turns as if to walk away.
I cage her in and lean in close, the scent of vanilla swirling around me. “Just get in the car, Brielle.”
She slides out from under my arms and plops down in my seat. I close the door, wave goodbye to Pete, and round the car.
The entire drive back to my place, all I can think about is my hands on her. Rubbing my palms up her thigh, taking her hand in mine, intertwining our fingers like they were while we were at the cabin.
“What are you thinking about?” Brielle asks, startling me from my thoughts. “Your jaw is so tense.”
