The next few days pass in a blur. I work, I go home, eat ice cream for dinner and cry. On Thursday morning, I wake up with resolve. I cannot be a blubbering mess at Lauren’s wedding. I have to put my heartbreak on pause, if only for a few days. I pack my suitcase, grab the garment bag with my bridesmaid dress in it and vow to not think about Barrett all weekend.

31. Barrett

CHAPTER 31

Barrett

I stare at the piece of paper. Chloe’s list.

1. Barrett attends Books 4 Kids event
2. Chloe gets to use Barrett’s study for reading
3. No phones at the dinner table (ahem, Barrett)
4. Foster Baxter
5. Barrett smile more (at me)
6. BJ for Barrett

It reminds me of the last six weeks with her. The frustration, the fights, the understanding, and the way she finally trusted me with her body and her heart. And I fucked it all up.

Half the items on this list are about me. She could have asked for anything, but she asked that I smile more. At her.

“Mr. Hinkle and Mr. Lancaster are here,” Bea notifies me over the intercom.

“I’ll be right there,” I say. I push my hands through my hair, then slowly stand. I move toward my office door. I purposely divert my gaze away from the sofa. I spent half of yesterday staring at it, thinking of Chloe’s impromptu visit a few weeks ago. Remembering her there makes my body ache.

I miss her touch, her taste. The adorable way she rambles about nothing, her never ending books to be read stacked up on my bedside table. The way she looks incredible in both a baggy t-shirt or a sexy silk nightie.

I’ve tried to call her but she doesn’t answer. I hate not knowing if she’s okay. Of course, she’s not okay. I broke her heart.

I’ve spent five nights in my bed alone and every moment has been agony. I need her pressed up against me, her wild hair tickling my face. Her soft breathing had become the soundtrack to my most restful night’s sleep.

Carl must have been notified already. He’s approaching my office as I exit.

“Let’s get this deal done,” he says, holding out his fist to me. I blank stare and he eventually drops his arm. “You still in a shitty mood?”

“What do you think?” I level him with a glare.

I was supposed to be in Vail with Chloe, her friend’s wedding is tonight. I had thought about showing up to surprise her, hoping she’d forgive me, but when the closing with Voltaire got moved to today, I had Bea cancel my ticket. She doesn’t want me there anyway.