Have I fallen into an alternate universe? Kiki and I haven’t spoken in weeks, and one of the first things out of her mouth is asking about me and Deirdre—theverything she used as proof that we were a bad idea. What kind of game is this woman playing?
I pace the sidewalk, earning a few strange glances from the smoking section by the door. No doubt they’re wondering what could be so interesting that I’m braving the cold sans cigarette.
Trust me, guys, I’m wondering that, too.
“Look, I’m sure you’re busy, so I’ll get to it. I got a call from Mr. Montague. You remember him, the Hollywood director?”
“Oh my God. You did? What happened?”
“I got the job.”
An excited squeal sounds over the phone, followed by what I swear is her clapping. “Eddie, that is the best news ever! You’re going to do amazing. He totally picked the right man for the job.”
Under normal circumstances, I’d bask in her flattery because I believe she means it. Right now, it’s too much for my battered heart and brain to handle.
“Yeah, well—” I cut her off. “There’s a condition, and it’snon-negotiable.”
“That doesn’t sound promising.”
“Depends on how you look at it.” I rub a hand over my eyes. “He wants you on the job, too. Loved your design ideas. Thinks you and I share some grand vision for the house.”
A chuckle escapes her mouth, but I hear the nerves lining the edges of her laughter. “That’s flattering. But what doyouthink?”
Trust me, Kiki, you don’t want to go there.
I stall for a few seconds because there are so many things I’m thinking right now, and none of them are good. In the end, my anger wins. “Honestly? I don’t give a shit.”
“Of course. I understand.” She doesn’t argue, doesn’t push back, but I hear it—the way she pulls inward, like she’s bracing for impact—and a flicker of guilt washes over me, which is insane.
We’re here because of her.Herchoices.Herdecision.
“Look.” I lower my voice, trying to maintain an even and less noxious rhythm. “I’m still pissed. That hasn’t changed. But without you, I don’t have this job. So if you think you can stand working with me for a few months, I’d appreciate it. My guys need this. And I’m pretty sure you do too.”
Kiki falls silent and for a second I worry she might decline the invitation. Hell, it’s not like I made her feel welcome in this venture.
Too late now, Eddie.
“I’m surprised you’d even consider it,” she murmurs. “That you’d want me anywhere near you.”
“It’s not about that. It’s a requirement.”
“Just so you know, I would nevernotwant to see you, Eddie.”
Her simple declaration threatens to turn me on my head, because she sounds so damn sincere. As if she’s been missing me as much as I’ve missed her.
Until my brain swoops in, reminding me this is the same woman who ripped my fucking heart apart a few weeks ago for being too much of a fucking nice guy.
I need off this call.Now.
“Look, this is strictly a business situation, Kiki. We’re not going to be hanging out after work, sharing beers and watching a game. We keep it professional. No talk of our past. I can handle it if you can.”
“Yeah. Of course.” Her voice dips, and there’s no mistaking it now, she’s on the verge of tears. “I wouldn’t expect anything different.”
Wait a damn minute. How did I end up feeling like the bad guy here?
I feel like shit, laying out a list of rules, ensuring she feels like an outsider before she’s even set foot on the job site. That’s not how I work. I’m a big believer in ‘teamwork makes the dream work’ thing. Corny as it sounds, it’s true. And what am I doing? Making damn sure Kiki Wilder, a woman who already feels like an outcast everywhere she goes, will feel like one around me and my crew too.
I tip my head back, forcing out a breath.
