Page 102 of Sweet Home Louisiana

“I can belong in California.”

“No.”She shook her head.“No, you can’t.”

“Hey.”

“I know you, Owen.I know California.And you would be miserable there.I’m not doing that to you.”

“You need to be somewhere else to paint,” he said.“If you’re somewhere else, I am, too.”

She looked confused.“Youjustfound out that I paint but now you’re willing tomoveyourlifeto California so I can do it?”

“Yes.”

“Well, that’s ridiculous.”

No, that was a grand gesture.It was fucking romantic, dammit.It was the kind of thing the Landrys specialized in and it was something Owen had never done before.Because it was clear to him now that Maddie was the only person he would do it for.And this was a pretty great gesture, if he did say so himself.

“I’m coming to California, Maddie,” he said firmly.

“That isnothappening.”

“You don’t want me there?”

“No!Definitelynot.”

Well, that was not what he’d been expecting.Where was the squealing?The throwing herself into his arms?The kissing and happy crying and I-love-you-so-much-Owen he’d been ready for?

“Maddie—”

“Ihaveto talk to Bennett.”She looked very angry.“Just stay here.”

“Here at Ellie’s right now or here in Autre forever?”he asked dryly, his growing anger seeping into his tone.

She frowned.“Both.”

“Great,” he said tightly.“Got it.”

He didn’t get it.Not at all.What the hell was happening?

Maddie looked like she wanted to say something more but she snapped her mouth shut, turned and left, presumably to find Bennett and rip up his agreement with Owen.

Fuck.

The door shut behind her and Owen took a deep breath.

Well, that had definitely not gone the way he’d planned.

“You’re not going after her?”

This came from Ellie.

Owen turned back to face his grandmother.“Of course I’m going after her.”

Ellie crossed her arms.“When?”

“As soon as I pack for California.”

“That’s not happening until we talk.”This came from Sawyer.He stood, his face stony.“What the fuck, Owen?”

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