So much time and too many things had happened since I’d been on that island, so her face was no longer as vivid as it used to be. But those hours we spent together were still clear in my mind, and for good reason.

I opened my mouth, unsure what to say, but then the door swung open, sending her back two steps.

My old man’s dark eyes darted back and forth between us. “I can’t close this deal without you.” He switched to Italian so Juliette wouldn’t understand the lecture he was giving me, making me feel sixteen and not forty-three.

When he left and the door thudded shut, I set the bottle back in place. “Give me a minute. Stay here, okay? Don’t leave.” I had to know the truth. I had to know if she was the woman on that island forever ago. It didn’t feel possible, but I’d spent half my life deep diving into the land of impossibilities, so why not?

“Colin’s home alone. Since you haven’t canceled all your cards, who knows what trouble he’s getting into.”

No, you’re just scared. Scared to find out the answer to the question I was sure she was too afraid to ask me.

I reached for her shoulder and leaned in. I didn’t care if Colin bought a Ferrari as long as she didn’t leave my office. “Stay,” I begged. Mouth to her ear, I felt the shiver in her body hit my palm as I whispered, “Just give me five minutes.” I let her go, already regretting my decision to do so. “I’ll be right back.”

I went to the door, glanced at her, and took off.

“Everything okay?” Blair asked me outside the conference room.

“Don’t let her leave. Got it? Stay with her.”

“Yeah, okay.” She nodded, and I went back to the meeting, anxious to hurry shit up so I could get back to Juliette.

I helped negotiate the terms of the deal, wrapping it up so fast that even my father was impressed. When I checked my watch, racing back to my office, I realized it’d taken fifteen minutes instead of those promised five.

“She’s gone.” Blair’s words anchored me to the floor, stopping me dead in my tracks. “She said her son called, and he needed her. I couldn’t exactly keep her hostage.”

I would have, dammit. I went into my office and slammed the door behind me. The Tiffany’s box was on my desk with a note tucked beneath it.

I’m sorry I had to leave. I think we need to talk, though. I have a twelve-hour shift tonight from seven to seven and another tomorrow. How about Saturday? You know how to find me.