Page 84 of Last Resort

The same Gia that Solomon said was keen to see Callahan again?

I take a step back and offer a muddled goodbye to Keone, desperate to get out of here before he sees what I’m sure is all over my face. Jealousy.

Is that why I couldn’t find Callahan? Is he meeting up with Gia tonight?

“You okay, Ms. Sutton? You want me to tell Mr. Sharpe that you were asking for him?”

Hell. No.

“No. I’m good. I’ll catch him tomorrow.”

And then I’m gone, feeling sick and needy and angry. When Callahan runs, he sure runs fast.

I need to talk to him. For what it’s worth. I need to figure out what this is or isn’t so I can either get completely on or off the roller coaster.

With that thought in mind, I rush toward our offices but the light is off in his window.

It’s only when I’m walking back toward The Cove that I finally spot him. Callahan. He’s standing near the entrance to the restaurant, hands shoved in his pockets, and back toward me.

My chest constricts at the sight of him, his broad shoulders and tall silhouette placed against the setting sun.

If I ever wondered if this whole thing between us had an expiration date, the sight of Gia there and him here, presumably waiting for her, just reinforced the notion.

What do I do?

How do I handle this?

Do I let him know I still want him?

Do I let him go now and save myself the hurt before I get in deeper?

Just say something, Sutton. Anything.

“There you are,” I finally manage as I take a few steps closer to him. Keep it simple. Nonchalant. Professional. “I wanted to thank you for the . . .” Advil you left on my nightstand. But the words don’t come, because Ledger was right that first time I met them. The longer you know us, the easier it will be to tell us apart. “Ledger? Or is it Ford?” I ask, startled and a little surprised to see him here. And knowing I almost just indicated how close Callahan and I are.

His smile spreads into a wide smile. “You’re very observant, Ms. Pierce. And it’s Ledger. Great to see you again.”

“It’s Sutton. Please. And we’re glad to have you so . . . unexpectedly.”

“Nice recovery.” His laugh is rich, and I have to take a step back to remind myself that this is Ledger, and not Callahan. “But I come in peace.” He holds his hands up. “Just wanted to see what’s going on here and get a look at where all our money is going.”

I hear those words with a different tinge now but keep my welcoming smile. “Will you be staying with us long?”

“Just for the night and through the morning.”

“A quick trip then?” And I’m uncertain why I breathe a sigh of relief because of it. Almost as if I want him gone so that he and Callahan don’t come to blows.

“Yes. I have business to tend to in Texas so I figured this wouldn’t be a bad layover spot for the night.”

A little out of the way, but . . .

“Not at all.” I hold my hands out to motion to the beauty all around us. “Then I won’t be keeping you. I’m sure you have lots to discuss with your brother while you’re here.”

“Actually, it was you I was going to seek out. That’s why I asked Brady to summon you here for me.” His smile is warm, his amber eyes inviting.

“Oh. Sure. Yes.” Brady knew he was here and didn’t warn me? Thanks a lot. “What can I do for you?”

“I’d like to go over some of the changes and hear your take on everything. Do you have plans for dinner? The Cove has made room so they can fit us in.”