He waves me off, apparently distracted and not wanting to discuss it, which is par for the course. “Busier than usual,” is all he gives me before tossing me a questioning look. “The construction?”
“All on schedule. No hitches so far,” I tell him, keeping it short and simple, wondering if he knows just how much time I spend in the construction trailer. And how I’m spending those hours.
His expression gives nothing away, and I’m relieved. “Perfect. You’ll let me know if any problems arise?”
“Of course. Ones I can’t handle. I won’t waste your time if it’s something I can deal with.”
“Of course,” he echoes, grinning up at me, a boyish look crossing his feature for a split second. It’s uncanny how I can still see a glimpse of his softer side, the side I first met, but then it’s gone as his smile fades. A mask of calm indifference appears in its place as he nods at me. “I continue to trust your judgment, Gabriella, as you’ve given me no reason not to.”
As he pauses and watches me, guilt creeps in and I fight to keep my cheeks from flushing. Then I remember I have no idea what—or who—he’s been doing for God knows how long, and I remain calm.
“As it seems, I’ll be gone longer than I anticipated, which is partly why I’ve returned. This deal is requiring much more of my attention and I will most likely be away for another month.”
He rounds the counter and slowly saunters towards me, causing my heart to race. When he’s directly in front of me, his hand caresses my cheek, and I resist the urge to shudder. The touch I once craved now does nothing for me.
“I hate the way we left things, and more than anything, I wanted to see you. Despite our differences, and despite what you may believe, I do care about you, Gabriella. Many things over the past few months have changed, but that is not one of them. It’s just . . . This is how things have to be for now. It’s safer this way. You’ll understand soon. I promise.”
I watch in confusion as he closes his eyes and hangs his head for a brief moment before looking back up at me, once again appearing to be the handsome, caring young man I met. As I gaze at him, I’m aware that what I told Rafe is true. Adrian Morningstar no longer has a hold on me, and while I want to weep for the lost boy, wishing he’d come back, I know he won’t. It’s too late for him. Too late for us.
“Adrian,” I begin, knowing that it’s time to finally end this once and for all. I can’t keep us in this limbo. I don’t want to be in this limbo.
He stops me, however, holding a finger up to my lips. “Please don’t do this now, Gabriella. I know I’m a prick. I know I don’t deserve you, and if you want to leave, I won’t blame you. Just . . . Before you make any rash decisions, use these next few weeks apart to do whatever you need to do, no questions asked.”
My mouth falls open and my eyes widen.
He nods, an almost pained expression on his face, increasing my confusion. “I’m aware of your activities, sweetheart, and while it pains me, I’ve decided that it’s a necessary evil. When I return, I will explain everything. If, after that, you want to go, I won’t stop you. But I promise you I will have a difficult time letting you go.”
The intensity of his voice is unsettling. What could possibly explain the chasm that’s grown between us? As I examine his face, a pang hurts my heart. Not because I’m still in love with him, but because he seems lost, and completely out of his depth. I don’t want to wait. I want to know everything now. Just as I go to insist he open up to me, his phone chimes at that exact moment, and he turns on his heel and picks it up before looking back at me.
“We’ll continue this conversation when I get back. I’ve got a plane to catch and there will be hell to pay if I miss it. Think about what I’ve said,” he commands gruffly before grabbing his suitcase and leaving me in alone in the kitchen, wondering what in the hell just happened.
He gives me no kiss, no fond goodbye, nothing. Relief swells when I hear the front door close. I shuffle to the front hall, glancing out the window and watching as the cab pulls out of the long driveway, the gates opening and closing to signal his departure.
I’m at a complete loss. The entire encounter was baffling. What are his secrets? What could he possibly have to say that would explain the way he’s treated me or how hot and cold he’s been? And he knows about Rafe and me, yet doesn’t care?
As my mind goes round and round, trying to decipher his secrecy, I can appreciate that Adrian recognizes how he’s been treating me. But what doesn’t escape me is that he has yet to apologize. He doesn’t care—and probably never has cared—about my needs or my wants.
It’s crazy how things have drastically changed in the last few weeks. Adrian doesn’t cause my body to stir or my heart to flutter, and I realize we’ve been over for far longer than I knew. His parting words, although unsettling, don’t change how I feel. No explanation will change these last six months.
Rafe, on the other hand, feels like a new beginning, and instead of stifling me, he’s encouraging me to grow. He’s giving me the space and freedom he thinks I need when, in reality, all I want is to be with him. Sure, there may be a parallel to how my relationships with these two began, but that’s where the similarities end.
Two quick interactions with both of these men in the span of an hour tell me all I need to know. There really is no question.
But as I climb the stairs to get ready for my weekend, there’s still that niggling doubt in the back of my mind that wonders if this is all too soon, all too fast. Am I destined for the same fate if I’m not careful? Or do I run the risk of missing out on the love of a lifetime if I let my fear rule my actions?