Page 133 of In the Air Tonight

“She’s a mother trying to protect her son. I don’t blame her. Of course she doesn’t want to believe it’s possible he did this.”

“You need to tell Houston she was here and what she said.”

“I will.” I turn to him and put my hand on his cheek. “I’m okay.”

“Have I mentioned that I admire your determination?”

“Don’t admire me. If I’d spoken up at the time, there wouldn’t be three little kids facing the rest of their childhoods without their father.”

“Stop beating yourself up. The past is gone. All you can do is your best today, and that’s what you’re doing.”

“Thanks for the reminder.” I give him a kiss and head to my cabin.

“Hey, while you’re over there?”

Turning back, I raise a brow.

“Pack up the rest of your stuff and bring it over here.”

“Are you asking me to move in with you?”

He shrugs and flashes an adorable grin. “I guess maybe I am.”

“I’ll think about it.”

“You do that.”

My phone rings, and I grimace when I see Wendall’s name on the screen. “Duty calls,” I tell Jack as I take the call. “Hey, Wendall. I’m just getting to work.”

“We need to talk, Blaise. I, uh, hate to say this, but… I’m afraid I’m going to have to let you go.”

“I understand.” I do fast math in my head, and quickly put two plus two together to realize I’ll have to sublet my apartment in New York quickly.

“You do?”

“Yes, you need someone there, and I can’t be there right now.”

“You were supposed to tell me you’d come right back so you won’t lose your job!”

As I grasp that the firing was a ruse to force me back to work, I try hard not to laugh. He’s such a dope. “I appreciate that you want me there, but I can’t come back. Not now.” Not when I’m falling in love with the most extraordinary man and dealing with a past that’s haunted me. “I can help you find someone to take my place.”

“I don’t want someone else. I wantyou.” He sounds like a petulant toddler who isn’t getting what he wants, which is on-brand for him.

“I’m sorry, Wendall. I think I might be done with New York.” I let my gaze travel across the yard to where Jack is playing ball with Fenway. This place has started to feel like home to me over the last few weeks. In fact, I’m more at home here than I’ve been anywhere since the dreadful summer that changed everything.

“You don’t mean that. You’re New York through and through.”

“Not so much anymore. I think it’s time for you to get someone else. I’ll do everything I can to ensure a smooth transition.”

“I didn’t mean it when I said I was letting you go! That was supposed to bring you back not drive you away.”

This is why working for him has driven me crazy! “You should talk to Kim. She’s been looking for something more permanent. And if she needs an apartment, she can take over my place.”

“I don’t want Kim! I want you!”

“I’m sorry, Wendall. If you can convince Kim to come to work for you, treat her well so she won’t hate you. Do you hear me?”

“You’re really not coming back?”

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