All three of them stare at me waiting for an answer, and I don’t have it in me to tell them, especially Seb and Harrison, knowing the shit I’d get for my impulsive purchase.
“Nothing. I have a meeting I need to leave for, so you all need to get the fuck out.”
“I thought your meeting was here, on a call with London?” Leo asks.
“Change of plans.” I get up and shoo them out, but before Leo has a chance to leave, I hold up my phone so he can see where I’m going.
His eyes widen, and I nod, then whisper, “Have Lizzy cancel my London call.” Then I hustle out of the office to make my new flight time.
Maddie
Life is too short, Maddie. He deserves to know what’s weighing on your mind.
Camila’s voice speaks so loudly, as if she’s here right in front of me that it jolts me up from my desk.
I’ve been thinking of her all afternoon, and the second I let my mind rest, she was here again with her opinions.
It’s not like I haven’t tried to speak to him today. Two hours have passed since I received an email from Lizzy informing me that Nate’s meeting with Amara had been canceled and that she would let me know when it would be rescheduled.
After that I couldn’t take it, so I walked back to his office with my tail between my legs, willing to talk and finally explain what’s been going through my head.
But he’s been gone ever since the brothers were here.
“Here.” My head snaps at the hostile voice of Linc.
I frown, staring at the certified mail sent from the city with our planning permits for the Pink Tiger project Leo’s been waiting on. “How did you get these?”
They were addressed to Leo and me. We made sure of it so no one could sign for them but us.
“‘You’re welcome’ are the words you’re looking for,” he says, then turns, and I watch him walking away with cocky confidence.
The first day I met Linc, I thought he was gorgeous, but his nasty attitude and conceited personality are such a turn-off, making him uglier and uglier by the day.
I don’t know what the hell his deal is or what I’ve ever done.
No, I know, I’ve done nothing. Other than work my butt off to get where I am, and he hates it.
Hates that I’m a smart, competent woman who rivals him in the office.
Not that I think any of my colleagues are rivals, but it’s exactly whathethinks.
Little does he know I’ve been dealing with haters my whole life; one insecure man won’t take me down.
“Knock, knock,” I announce as I enter Leo’s office, walking over to his desk to give him the permits.
“About time. How long does it take the city to decide on one small change?” He rips open the envelope to review the new approval.
I don’t want to get Leo involved any more than he already is in my and Nate’s life, but he’s the only person who can give me answers.
“Leo?” I mutter, my voice weak even to me. “Do you know where Nate is?”
He places the papers on the desk and leans back in his chair, crossing his legs and arms, as he does. “Why?”
“I…” I hesitate, but I can tell from Leo’s defensive stance he’s going to need something. He’s playing the protective brother, and I won’t get through otherwise. “I know he’s told you I’ve been distant. You have to know it’s not for the lack of loving your brother, Leo. This is about my own demons, haunting me, and I’m ready to talk. To work through it…with Nate.”
He nods softly. “He left, Maddie. His flight was three hours ago.”
My stomach drops.
