Oh, no.
I can sense the intense gaze on the back of my head before I slowly turn, imagining all the ways I can murder Jackie and get away with it.
He’s in the doorway. Carter is here. Scowling in his pristine tailor-made suit. The dark blue fabric changes his eyes into liquid silver dripping on my skin.
Panic bubbles between my lungs. He’s going to think I’m a stalker and a clinger.
“What’re you doing here?” I stupidly ask.
“As far as I remember I still own part of the shares.” If Carter’s as rattled as I am, he’s hiding it better.
The sight of him makes my heart jolt against my ribcage, fighting to escape his heavy gaze. My palms are clammy and my face heats up. I hate that he’ll know how much he still affects me.
The color swatches are the most interesting things in the world for Jackie and she’s as helpful as a mouse-nibbled umbrella during the rainy season.
“I was told you were away on business.” I straighten my back, smoothing my expression. “Of course, you can be wherever you want. I’m just helping Jackie.” The words come out harsh and sandy.
Seeing him for the first time after three months leaves me breathless, scrambling to act normal. The way his suit fits him flawlessly and the confidence he exudes in his natural element, don’t help matters much.
I need to get out of here.
Chapter Thirty-Nine
CARTER
Michelle storms into the room, laser-focused on my sister, tapping at her company-issued tablet.
“Don’t forget about your five o’clock. Wrap it up as fast as possible if you want to make your dinner reservation with—” She clams her mouth shut, suddenly aware there are other people in the room.
“I forgot about this meeting completely,” Jackie groans, rolling her eyes dramatically.
Subtlety is not her forte when she meddles in situations she shouldn’t.
“I’m so, so sorry, Eliza. Do you mind if we cut this short? This is important.” Jackie hugs her unmoving figure.
“Make sure she gets home safe.” She breezes past me, wordlessly threatening me in a thousand ways not to screw this up.
Jackie leaves with Michelle on her heels and the air in the room becomes dense with tension. We stare at each other like two fighters in a ring. She’s wearing a tight black dress and heels, a real work of art, but I miss her casual outfits. The relaxed look, the easy smiles. Now she’s tense and cold—a beautiful marble statue.
I want to reach out and pull her into my arms, hold her tight until her heartbeat syncs with mine. But it would be a stupid thing to do when her eyes are shards of glass cutting into me.
When I open my mouth to say something she cuts me off. “I should be going. I leave at seven.”
“You came only for a day?” The disappointment in my voice is palpable but it doesn’t affect her.
She shrugs. “It was nice visiting New York, even just for a few hours.”
“You can always stay.” I want to beg her, but I have no right. “I—We have plenty of space.”
“I’m sure you do. But I have other plans,” she says flatly, moving toward the door, and a surge of panic runs under my skin.
“At least let me drive you to the airport.” She looks ready to refuse me. “Please.”
“You must be busy,” Eliza says, analyzing the artwork in the office. “I’m sure you have more important things on your schedule.” She rolls her lips, glancing at the view. I almost cave and run to her to press my thumb on her lower lip and release it.
“Not as important as this.”
The woman who has my heart finally turns those beautiful amber eyes in my direction. Doubt and hesitation cloud them until she sighs and puts me out of my misery.
