Page 13 of Without Regret

The next morning, I showed up in the office early and found myself on edge while watching the door. It had to be Trevor making me feel this way. And I didn’t like it. I was typically in control, especially at work where I normally didn’t have to worry about being off-kilter.

I replayed last night’s conversation in my head more times than I could count. I searched for fault, something for which I could take him to task, but I didn’t find a thing. He’d been sweet. I didn’t do sweet. Especially when it came in the form of such an attractive man. Sweet couldn’t comprehend the dark places I’d been, nor did it understand my deep fear of letting people close to me.

I might recognize my feelings were all about self-preservation, but I certainly wasn’t admitting that to anyone.

“Good morning, Emma,” Trevor greeted when he walked in, looking way too handsome in his charcoal gray suit and a blue tie that brought out his eyes.

I tamped down my spiking adrenaline from his presence and the sound of his drawl. “Good morning. Simon should be in shortly, but you’re all set up in the office to the right. You have your own laptop, correct?”

“I do. Thank you.” And with that, he walked into his office. Aside from the shuffling of some things, there wasn’t another sound. I half expected him to come out and make chitchat or call me in as an excuse to talk some more. I found myself oddly disappointed when he did neither.

Simon came in fifteen minutes later. “Trevor is already here?”

“Yes. About quarter past he came in.”

“Brilliant. We’ll be tied up most of the day. Do you mind ordering in lunch?”

What I admired about Simon was he always asked if I minded when doing such tasks was in fact my job. “I’d be happy to. Sandwiches okay?”

“Yes. And I’ll send over my notes on a company out of Boston about which I’ve been doing some due diligence. Would appreciate your feedback.”

“Of course.” I sat down once he went into his office and waited for him to send the document.

I was distracted. An hour after Simon had come in, they were both in the conference room, and I could hear Trevor’s laugh along with his thoughtful questions. If I was feeling this unsettled after one morning, what would an entire week entail?

***

On Saturday, I arrived at Peyton’s house at six o’clock for the barbeque. As always, she had a knack for putting me at ease, with a genuine smile and affection upon greeting me at the door. She was beautiful, with brown, curly hair, amber eyes, and a slim figure, dressed this evening in simple jeans and a T-shirt. Although I enjoyed Peyton’s company, she too had a beast of a dog. A Great Dane by the name of Cooper.

Was having a giant dog something that went along with Texas? She gave me an understanding smile, aware I tried to avoid her pooch. “Don’t worry. He’s in the backyard. I know he’s not your favorite.”

Because I didn’t want her to be offended, I was honest. “Truth be told, I’m just a little intimidated by large dogs. Not his fault.”

“Well, no wonder you didn’t care for Rufus, then,” came the voice from behind me. It belonged to none other than Trevor, who was holding the subject in question by leash. Gratefully, he backed up so as not to bring his pony of a dog any closer to me.

I could feel my neck heating with embarrassment, not liking the fact he’d heard me confess my fear of dogs. But luckily, I was saved from any further awkwardness when Peyton stepped forward to greet him.

“You must be Trevor. Welcome.” She held out her hand to his and then dropped down to her knee to greet Rufus face to face. “And hello there, beautiful. Who’s the good boy? Oh, yes, he is.”

She quickly had the giant canine on his back, wanting more love from her on his stomach. I stood there in awe. How could she be so fearless with a dog that size? I was snapped out of it when the blonde came up behind Trevor. Instantly, I stiffened at the thought he’d brought a date, and then I realized it was his sister. She looked different from when I’d seen her at the gym.

“And this is my sister, Avery. Avery, this is Peyton. Thanks for inviting us both over. It was kind of you.”

Peyton met the younger girl, and they exchanged pleasantries until Avery’s gaze landed on me. She practically skipped over, apparently excited to see me. “My brother said you might be here. It’s so nice to see you again, Emma.”

Her enthusiasm was tough to resist. “Nice to see you again, too.”

Simon stepped out onto the front porch and took in all of the new arrivals. “Hey, everyone. I just put the steaks on. Come on in.”

I had to laugh at something so very Texas coming out in his proper British accent. He was dressed in jeans and a button-down, which was about as casual as I’d ever seen him. I’m quite sure he never wore denim until he met Peyton.

For dinner, I stuck to salad, only indulging in a cookie for dessert and, of course, my wine. Afterward, I snuck into the kitchen to help tidy up so Peyton wouldn’t have to. That’s when Trevor found me.

“Hey.”

“Hi.” Although I’d seen him all week and we’d exchanged pleasantries, this was the first time he’d initiated a conversation outside of “good morning” or “good night.”

“I’m about to wrap up the food. Did you want seconds?” I offered.

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