Page 46 of Wright Kind of Trouble

“Ah,” I said, seeing the whole picture. “Have you even talked to your mom?”

He flexed his hand. “Yes. She doesn’t blame me for working for the company.”

“But you feel guilty.”

“It feels like I’m choosing him over her.”

“That’s silly,” I said. “Unless you’re like me and you have completely no contact with your terrible father, there’s no choosing between them. They’re both your parents. Your mother knows that.”

“What’s no contact like?” he asked me, turning his body to face me.

“Excellent. Best decision I ever made. Not that he respects my wishes.” I rolled my eyes. “He bought me a BMW when I was home for Christmas.”

“Nice gift.”

“No!” I argued. “A bribe. I don’t want it. I don’t want his money.”

He nodded. “I get it.”

“I’m going home in a week, and he’s back in Seattle. I know he’s going to try to worm his way back in.” I clenched my hands into fists.

“Maybe I should go no contact and see how it feels.”

I laughed. “I thought you wanted the company?”

“It’s selfish.”

“You’re allowed to be selfish for things you’ve worked for, you know?”

He slid off of his chair and sank into the spot next to me. I tensed, expecting…well, I didn’t know what to expect. All I wanted was to lean forward and capture another perfect kiss. But that wasn’t why I’d come here. I’d been in his place, and I knew what he was going through. And…I’d wanted to see him.

“Thank you,” he said simply.

“You’re welcome.”

“I should probably call my sister.”

“Probably. And Annie.”

“Jordan is going to hate it.”

I winced. “Probably, but she’s your best friend. Don’t be stupid.”

He laughed, reaching forward and tucking a stray strand of my blonde hair behind an ear. I shivered at the touch.

“It was good seeing you.”

I cleared my throat and got to my feet. If I didn’t get out soon, I was going to break my own heart again. “You needed some sense knocked into you.”

“If I ever need it again, I know who to call,” he said, thankfully staying seated.

And though I wanted nothing more than to stay, I left.

I left and took my wildly beating heart with it.

13

Chase

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