Those goddamn freckles on his side.
My fingers twitch, aching to trace them again.
I came here intent on ignoring him, perhaps even telling him off if given the chance, but Mo is right. As much as I blame him for what happened, I’m not entirely innocent.
And the way he spoke of me to Emerson just now…
My god, he’s alwaysseenme, hasn’t he?
I breathe deeply, waiting. Seconds tick by with each pounding beat of my heart, but he still doesn’t turn around.
“Max,” I finally growl.
His shoulders rise and fall, shaking on his deep breath.
When he finally turns around, his eyes are wet as they meet mine.
A sob slips past my lips, but I quickly cover my mouth. Tears rush down my cheeks.
He’s absolutely beautiful.
And he’shurting.
So much fucking pain caused by this one man, but I’m not the only who has suffered.
“Why did you turn him down?” he asks. “Youneededhim. Hart Strategicneededhim.” His eyes search mine as he struggles to make sense of what Emerson just told him.
I open my mouth, then pause. How do I explain that when he broke my heart, everything else shattered as well? The lies I’d been telling myself about what made me happy… the façade of trying to save a company I no longer loved…
Finally, I shrug, laughing as I admit, “I don’t want it anymore.”
Max’s brows pull down and he takes a step closer. “What? I don’t understand.”
I suck in a breath, at once thrown completely off balance by him and equally desperate to sink into his arms. “It doesn’t spark joy?”
Max barks out a laugh and a tear streaks down his cheek. “What?”
I raise my hands in surrender. “I tried to make it work, I just…” I shrug. “I’m releasing my clients from their contracts at the end of the year. Hart Strategic Management will be closed, and I’ll move on with my life knowing I did what I could in honor of my father.” I shake my head sadly. “But I can’t give up onmeforhimanymore, you know? I’ve spent almost forty years doing what I thought would make him happy.” I scoff as I realize, “At the sake of my own happiness.”
Max nods, and I watch his thick throat work on a swallow. “What will you do?”
I laugh, the sound sharp and a bit too loud. Stepping closer, I lower my voice. “I think I might go into law.”
Max’s eyes widen. “Really? That’s…” He pauses and I find myself holding my breath.
Will he encourage me? Tell me I’m crazy?
Suddenly I have to know. His opinion should mean nothing…
Yet, it’severything.
“You’ll make an incredible lawyer, Ms. Hart.”
My gasp is audible. Somehow, even after weeks apart, he still knows exactly what I need to hear.
“I’ve missed you somethin’ fierce,” he admits. “I’m so sorry for what I did, Sutton. I’ll never forgive myself for hurting you.”
“Hey.” I step forward, reaching up to cup his face in my palm. “I forgive you.”
