Even as the question ran through his mind, he knew she wouldn’t say a word about it to anyone, except maybe Ahearn. She wouldn’t even bring it up with Conrad. His secret was safe with her.
Megs had understood.
He owed her—big-time.
He got out of bed and walked naked into the bathroom to take a leak. There on the mirror was a sticky note in Megs’ handwriting.
You promised me you’d call Esri.
Meg had understood, but she was still a hard-ass.
He washed his hands and face and brushed the disgusting taste of cheap beer out of his mouth. Then he put on a clean pair of boxer briefs and walked out to the kitchen, checking out of habit to make sure Gabby wasn’t underfoot, more of his conversation with Megs coming back to him.
God, I miss Kenzie. I don’t know how I’m going to face this without her. She’s the most amazing, beautiful, sweet, adorable woman I’ve ever known. I think I love her.
Had he said that? Had he truly said he loved Kenzie?
In vino veritas.
“Don’t tell me that,” Megs had said. “Talk to Kenzie. That girl has been crazy about you for years, and you’re an idiot if you don’t fight to hold onto her.”
Fuck.
Well, hewasan idiot.
The last thing he’d said to Kenzie, words he regretted, came rushing back.
Tell Gabby… Tell the little scamp I will miss her.
Conrad stopped in his tracks and squeezed his eyes shut, trying to shut out the memory of the pain that had filled Kenzie’s blue eyes. He’d give anything to go back in time and shut his own damned mouth. He’d hurt her. Dear God, he’d told her he would miss her puppy—but hadn’t said a word about missing her.
What the fuck is wrong with you?
His mother’s words came back to him.
If you find someone you love, don’t walk away from her. Don’t turn your back on her. Fight for her. Don’t make my mistake.
He needed to call Kenzie right now. No, he needed to apologize to her face. He needed to ask her if she could forgive him and give him a second chance.
It was true. He was in love with her—headfirst in love.
But would she take him back?
If she didn’t, he’d have no one but himself to blame.
He made himself an omelet of four egg whites and one egg and sat down with a cup of coffee, hoping the protein and caffeine would help him pull his head out of his ass—or at least take the edge off his hangover. Then he took a long, hot shower and shaved off two weeks of stubble, Megs’ note there in front of him.
You promised me you’d call Esri.
When he was dressed, he sat on the sofa and picked up his cellphone.
He had a promise to keep.
* * *
Kenzie got backto the kennel from her depressing private lesson with poor little Prince. Mari, the puppy’s owner, had hinted that Kenzie should take the dog. When Kenzie had asked her what she’d tell her children, Mari had said she’d tell them that the dog had run away. Kenzie wanted to help little Prince, but she couldn’t be a part of that.
“Can I take my lunch now?” Quinn asked. “It’s supposed to snow, and I’d like to get a jog in before the paths get icy.”
