Page 161 of For the Sub

“Mind if I borrow it?”

For long, emotionally tense moments, she studied him.

“Why are you really here?”

His pulse uncertain, he countered with, “May I come in?”

“No.”

He should have expected that.

Not wanting to discuss this while she was barricading him out of her house and life, he tried to think of a good opening.

He’d been prepared for her to slam the door in his face or give him five minutes. But indifference?

Niles hadn’t counted on that.

Hoping she’d accept his olive branch, he said, “I owe you an apology.”

“No. Actually you don’t.” She swept back her hair. “You were completely honest with me about your emotions. Since no one else ever has been, I appreciate it.”

After pausing for a breath, she went on. “We had a nice weekend. And, really, that’s all that needs to be said.”

“Except for the fact that I wasn’t completely honest with you.” He tipped his head to one side. “Or with myself.”

“Oh?”

Niles raked a hand into his hair, trying a different angle. “I sold my production company.”

“I’d heard.”

She seemed to have turned into a clam, and he wasn’t at all sure how to get her to open up. “It has something to do with you.”

“In what way?”

Because the afternoon was cloudy, he was starting to get chilled.

But now, at least, he seemed to have her attention.

“There is no other woman that I want to scene with.”

Breath whooshed out of her lungs.

“There’s so much more I want you to know.”

“We said everything that mattered when I left your place.”

“I didn’t begin to scratch the surface.” He shrugged. “But if you’re willing to hear me out, I have a few things I’d like to explain.”

When she didn’t respond, he pushed forward, “About Eleanor.”

She raised an eyebrow.

“It’s important.” He lifted a shoulder. “At least I think it is.”

“Since you made the drive all the way up here, I’ll give you a few minutes.”

After the reception she’d given him, that was the best he dared hope for. “Thank you.”

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