Page 40 of Let Me Love You

“Pictures of you and Serenity are circulating. I sent you the two articles I’ve found.”

I heave out a breath. Her words are like music to my ears. “That’s all?”

“Uh, yes, sir, but one of the articles wasn’t very nice about Mrs. Barlowe.” She hesitates for a moment before saying, “They’re calling her a gold digger and a harlot—”

“I get it. Thank you for letting me know. I’ll take a look at them, but you know the media loves a good scandal, so if there isn’t one, they’ll spin it.” Just like they always do when it comes to my love life.

We hang up, and I continue to Serenity’s room. I can’t quell the urge to speak with her after last night. My two ladies are leaving today for Granite Falls, but I want to clear up why I walked away before she’s gone.

I pull to a stop outside Serenity’s room. The bed is already made even though my maid doesn’t come in until nine. I check my watch, and it’s only eight.

Leaving her room, I head straight to Summer’s. Hers is the same. Everything is perfectly made up as if no one lives here. Blinking a few times, nothing changes. I stride over to the dresser and open the second drawer. All the clothes I bought her are neatly folded.

Did I drive Serenity away?

Pulling out my phone, I dial her number, but it goes directly to voice mail, and I release a string of curses.

I hit Jay’s name, and he answers on the second ring. “Hello?”

“Did you drive Serenity somewhere this morning?”

“Yes, sir. She took your private jet as planned.”

She wasn’t supposed to take off so early without saying goodbye. I drag my free hand down my face. I knew last night would turn around to kick me in the ass. I should’ve told her why I wasn’t comfortable with us getting each other out of our systems.

I clear my throat. “Can you come and pick me up?”

“Of course. I’m almost there already.”

We hang up, and I trail down the hallway and go down the stairs toward my bedroom. Once inside, I head directly to my walk-in closet and grab my suitcase. I make sure to fold everything so they won’t crease and properly place them inside.

I learned as a young man to keep my patterns and routines the same. I can’t allow one unplanned event to pull me out of my usual habits, or I might break apart and spiral.

After zipping my bag shut, I tug on my luggage handle, rolling it out of my bedroom and down the hallway that leads to the front door. Once I’m in the living room and about to reach the front door, I spot a note resting on the coffee table. I must’ve missed it earlier. I pick it up gently like it’s a bomb about to go off.

Victor,

I’m sorry we left early, and I’m not running away. I think I understand why you were upset last night. Don’t worry. I won’t let myself get that close to crossing the line again.

My heart plummets, but I continue reading.

Sully said he fell, and I want to make sure he’s actually okay. He’s so stubborn his bone could be popping out of his skin, and he’d say he’s fine. I’ll be back on Monday.

Serenity

Too many different thoughts are swirling around in my head. Inhaling, I try gathering the facts, but my head pounds. At least I have the next five hours to think it through. If I go in there without a solid plan, I’ll push her farther away. That’s the last thing I want.

***

I arrive at Sully’s house with a decent strategy. Something about her note didn’t sit right with me, and I want to clear up a few things with her.

I run my hands down my wrinkle-free suit like it’s out of place while I wait for someone to answer the door. Some stress habits never die, no matter how much I try to always seem in control. And the more time I spend with Serenity and Summer, the more it slips from my grasp.

The door swings open, and Summer charges over, hugging my leg. “Mommy, what’s Bubba doing here?”

Serenity scoops up her daughter. “I’m not sure, sweetie. How about you go see Grandpa Sully?”

Summer scrunches up her nose. “But I want to see Bubba.”