“If what?” The anger I’ve been suppressing all week flares. “If you wanted to deal with me again? The silence was a very loud answer, Kaiden.”
“That's not it at all.”
“Then what?” I take a step toward him, hands beginning to shake. I twist my rings to keep them still. “You asked about my ex. I told you things I don't tell anyone. And then nothing. A week of nothing.”
He reaches for me, but I step back, creating a cold pocket of air between us. His eyes widen, his weight shifting as if he wants to close the gap, but he stops himself.
“I had urgent business out of town,” he says. “I did not know when I would be back.”
The excuse is hollow. A week ago, he was ready to hunt James down. Then he vanished.
“I imagine a man with your resources knows how to send a text,” I say. “Even from out of town.”
He exhales, sharp with frustration. “I deserved that. You’re right. I should have reached out.” He pauses, his gaze locking onto mine. “But you could have reached out to me, too.”
The words hit like a blow. He’s not wrong.
“I didn't think you wanted to hear from me,” I say. “After everything I dumped on you that night, I figured you were relieved to have an excuse to disappear.”
His brow furrows. “Is that really what you thought?”
“What was I supposed to think? You went from driving me home to nothing. Friends don’t do radio silence.”
“I am not good at this…friendship,” he gestures between us. “But I wasn’t relieved. I wasn’t looking for an exit.” He steps closer, ignoring the distance I tried to keep. “I want to be better. If you’ll let me.”
I look up at him. Those blue eyes search mine with a terrifying sincerity. I've seen intensity before. James was a master of grand gestures and focused attention, only to leave me hollow when the world got dark. I can't afford to repeat the pattern.
“I appreciate you coming to see the presentation,” I say, taking another step back. “But I have to get back to my team.”
“Emma.” He does not reach for me, but the command in his voice stops me. “Let me make this up to you. Have dinner with me tonight.”
My heart races, traitorous. Part of me wants to scream yes. The rest screams caution.
“I can’t do tonight.”
“Tomorrow, then.”
I find a spark of my old self, the woman who doesn't accept crumbs. “Call me tomorrow, Kaiden. If you still want to. I’ll let you know then.”
I don’t wait for his response. I turn and walk toward Zoe, my heels clicking a sharp, rhythmic retreat. Behind me, a deep chuckle sends a shiver down my spine.
Zoe is waiting with a massive smirk. “You are evil. I am so proud of you.”
When I don't answer, her face softens into concern. “Are you okay?”
I nod, forcing the professional mask back into place as we approach Thomas Hawthorne.
The ball is in Kai's court. He can call, or he can vanish. Either way, I’m still standing.
I have survived worse.
CHAPTER 11
THE REALIZATION
KAIDEN
I treatedher like a hostile takeover. I thought showing up unannounced would be the masterstroke that forced a resolution, the kind of surprise move that makes a competitor fold. In the corporate world, if you want something, you take the room. You dominate the space until the deal is yours.
