Page 181 of Bossy Romance

“I…” Squaring my shoulders, I lay my cards on the table. “I stayed because he needed me. Being there when he needs me is a habit.”

“Oh, come on, Nova. That’s bull. If you don’t even know your own feelings, just admit that.”

“I do know my own feelings,” I answer defensively. “I always have. I was never confused about my devotion to Adam.”

“Then why did you break up with him?”

I drain the rest of my mimosa rather than answer.

“Fine. I guess that’s a conversation you should have with Adam instead of me.” She leans forward. “Why did you want to meet today?”

“Adam is the closest to you and Sazuki.”

She nods.

“Do you know if he needs help with anything? Planning the funeral? Cleaning the house? Anything in the company?”

“I don’t think so. He mentioned that he was hiring a funeral director to plan everything. Right now, he’s more worried about how Rowan is taking all this.”

“Rowan just lost his mom.” I think about the moment I had to say goodbye to my own mom. “There are no words to describe that kind of pain.”

“I don’t even want tothinkof losing my mom, so I can kind of understand.” Dejonae nods.

I check my watch. Since my question has been answered, I don’t need to linger. “I’ll pay for the bill.”

“Let me.”

I freeze.

“You saved Adam last night. It’s the least I can do.”

“Saved him? You’re exaggerating.”

“Adam said so himself.” Dejonae pats my hand. “Alexa’s death shook him to the core and that ‘dream’ of you? That grounded him again.” She sighs. “I have to admit, I feel like Rowan’s my nephew. He’s been spending so much time with Niko at art camp lately. By being there for Adam, you’re being there for Rowan. It’s not an exaggeration to say you saved them both.”

I can’t accept her praise. If I did such a good deed, then why do I feel so miserable? Why does it not feel like enough?

“Thanks for the drinks. If you need anything, call me. And if Adam needs anything—”

“Call you?” She leaks a small smirk.

“Please.”

She nods. “I’m rooting for you and Adam to work this out.”

Well, that makes two of us.

* * *

The sun is shining brightlyas they lower Alexa’s casket in the ground. It’s the end of a life. Shouldn’t it be raining? Shouldn’t the skies be weeping? Or am I getting too sentimental?

Adam’s eyes sweep over the crowd and land on me. I feel the pull between us like an electric shock.

Even from this distance, I can tell how weary he is. His hair is carefully brushed, unlike its usual messy style. His black suit hugs his shoulders and tapers down his long legs. His solemn nod lets me know that he’s seen me.

Rowan snakes his fingers around his dad’s arm. Adam glances away and it’s only then that I can breathe.

I’ve tried to keep out of sight during the service and the burial. It wasn’t hard to blend in. The service was packed. Everyone from the farmhouse came, along with all of the kids. Some Vision Tech employees also showed up. I was most surprised when I saw Henry walking into the church.

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