‘I know that and I’ve tried to apologize. Don’t get me wrong, I am definitely not sorry for kicking his ass. I knew I didn’t misjudge that; he was obviously hurting her so I wasn’t sorry even when the kangaroo court was calling for my head instead of his. And grabbing you too? Asshole deserved everything we gave him.’

‘Damn straight.’ Shelley kept pace next to him as they turned on East Drive. Cherry blossoms adorned the surrounding tree branches, creating a floral carpet beneath their feet as they ran. ‘Nothing to apologize for there.’

‘Except for making Hannah’s life harder,’ Ward admitted. ‘Right from the get-go I made things difficult, sometimes impossible for her. I complained about every last thing. I never thought for a second that she might have stuff to deal with too, and had another dickwad making her life hard. And she didn’t deserve that, especially when she’s so good at what she does and took the time to understand what I was comfortable with. She … got me.’

As they reached the bottom of the steps, Ward stopped in his tracks and Shelley ran a couple steps ahead before realizing she had lost him. She looked back to see him leaning over, bent at his waist, hands on his knees, his head facing the ground.

The water sparkled in the sunlight as the angelic statue on top of the fountain watched over the space like a silent sentinel. A gentle breeze carried with it the laughter of nearby picnickers and the distant hum of city life, but all of it was lost on Ward.

Shelley walked over and put a comforting hand on his shoulder. ‘So then, go and get her.’

Chapter 68

Returning from his run, Ward headed through the foyer of his building and to the elevator, in need of a shower. He felt much better after the workout though, and the talk with Shelley, heartened that maybe Hannah hadn’t gone back to Kendrick despite all.

But then why was she still not returning his calls?

Getting into the elevator, he pressed the button for his floor and turned around to face the lobby, glancing down at his phone to check it again. Then looked back up just as the elevator doors were closing, only to see someone who looked remarkably like Hannah passing through the lobby and toward the double-door exit. Even from behind he’d recognize her anywhere.

She hadn’t seen him, but his heart soared, and a flurry of emotions burst in his chest. Had she come here to see him? Finally calmed down enough to talk to him? Maybe she would tell him that she had ended it with Kendrick? Or hopefully, had a change of heart about taking him back as a client. What could all this
mean?