She lifted her chin, determined not to let him see the pain that tightened her chest. “If that’s the way you want it.”

Gage closed the bathroom door, and she heard the rush of water as he turned on the shower. Abby buried the hurt and longing, pulled on her jeans and T-shirt, grabbed her carry-on, and headed for the bathroom off the guest room down the hall.

She would call Tammy, find out if her friend was still staying with Jed. With luck, Tammy would let her use the apartment while it was still empty. Hopefully, the vandalism had been repaired to Tammy’s satisfaction, earning her friend’s forgiveness.

After a quick shower, she changed into a pair of stretch jeans that showed off her curves and a lightweight blue V-neck sweater that showed some cleavage.

She wasn’t above a little revenge. Let him see what he was missing.

Her carry-on repacked, Abby called Tammy.

“Jed and I are doing great,” Tammy said. “I’m crazy about him, Abby. Staying at my place isn’t a problem. You’re still interested in taking over the lease, right?”

She thought of Gage and swallowed. “That’s right. I’ve got some things to do this morning. Then we can talk about it.”

“Great. Jed’s working. I’ll be home all day. Come over whenever you’re ready.”

Abby ended the call and towed her bag into the kitchen in search of Gage, only to discover he wasn’t there. She thought about leaving him a note and simply calling an Uber, but after everything they’d been through together, it didn’t seem right.

The key to the safe deposit box seemed to burn in her pocket. She was anxious to find out what King had left her at the bank. She’d been hoping Gage would go with her, the first step in getting him to agree to continue the search. But after his abrupt departure this morning, their partnership was likely at an end.

Her heart squeezed. She was already half in love with him. Since he didn’t return her feelings, maybe it was better this way, better to put Gage behind her and head for Mexico with someone else. Or hire someone once she got down there.

Abby steeled herself. She had known this could happen. She had no one to blame but herself.

Figuring he was in his office, she gathered her courage and went downstairs to confront him. Instead, as she headed down the hall toward his office door, she ran into Jack Foxx.

Tall, black-haired, and ridiculously good-looking, Foxx ran his startling blue eyes over her in a lingering perusal that would have had most women’s hearts pounding. Unfortunately, at the moment, hers was mostly in shreds.

Foxx smiled. “Welcome home, pretty lady.”

Abby blushed at the compliment. The man certainly lived up to his rakish reputation. “Thanks, it’s good to be back.”