I expected more because I want more. I want something to hold with me forever because I’m going to walk out of here tonight without my heart.
“The contract came.” Her tone is stiff. “I’ll be working in New York.”
I hate the sound of it. I could barely get the words out when I called Maureen and told her to get back to the office to make the switch.
She suggested I sit on the decision for a day or two. I insisted she make the change and get the contract to Emma as quickly as possible.
I finally look up to see her tear-stained face.
Fuck. Just fuck.
She wanted to move to San Francisco. She wanted me.
“I’ll go to Seattle with Drake and Jane once they come back, and then I’ll find a place to live here.” She twists her hands together in front of her. “Bella can help me with that. She’ll know of a good neighborhood where I can find something reasonable.I can have my furniture shipped to Manhattan, I think. I’ve never done that before, but it can’t be that complicated.”
She’s rambling because she’s falling apart inside.
I want to take her in my arms. I want to tell her I love her.
Apollo will never get the chance to love a woman the way I love Emma.
“You’re welcome to stay here for as long as you need. I’m leaving for California tonight.”
Her hand grabs for the back of a chair. “You’re what?”
I’m running away.
I keep those words in and fall back on a believable excuse. “I need to take care of things there.”
Her head drops. “I thought you were going to stay until Drake came back.”
“I can’t,” I lie. I fucking lie to the most beautiful and kindest woman I’ve ever met.
“I guess this is goodbye?” She turns to face me. “I know it’s what we agreed to.”
I take a step toward her. “I’ll never forget you, Emma.”
“You will.” She half-laughs as her eyes fill with tears again. “It’s okay.”
I stalk toward her, stopping just short of taking her in my arms. “Listen to me. I will never forget you, Freckles.”
That breaks her. Her hands dart up to cover her face. “I’ll never forget you, Rush.”
“Emma.” I reach out a hand, but stop it mid-air.
“Let’s leave it at that.” She swipes a hand over her cheek to chase away a tear. “I’m not good with big goodbyes.”
I can’t ask for anything, so I nod in agreement. “I’ll pack up my stuff and head out.”
“I’m going to my room to look this over.” She picks up the contract. “I’ll have my attorney get in touch with yours when I’m ready to sign it.”
As she breezes past me, a tear spills from my eye. I take a breath as I hold it together until I hear the guestroom door shut with a click.
CHAPTER SIXTY-TWO
Emma
“Emma?”Bella places a cup of coffee in front of me. “I got you a large.”
