Page 49 of Ace

“I have to know you’ll communicate with me. I didn’t like not knowing you were starting Top Flight until you did, until you totally deserted me.” She sat up again, turning toward him. “Sorry. That sounded harsh.”

“You are being a little harsh, but I don’t blame you. I was planning to do both.”

She thought she hadn’t heard him. “What did you say? Both?”

“Yeah.” He ran a hand through his hair. “You didn’t give me much of a chance to try.”

“How would I have known? You left and…” When he looked back down into her face, the pain he’d felt was obvious.

She sucked in her breath and reached a hand out to run fingers down the side of his face. “You didn’t give me a chance to…to do anything but carry on without you. What was I to think?”

“That I was still here for you? That I was…trying.”

She searched his face. “You’re right. But it doesn’t work that way. People talk to each other, explain things.”

“I just thought you’d know. That you’d trust…” He looked down into her face. “I’m sorry. I’ve regretted it every day since.”

She nodded. “I’m sorry too.”

Their movie had long ended. The night was getting late. She didn’t want to hash through all of it right now, but she did want to leave on a good note.

He ran his fingers through her hair, brushing strands from her face. Every touch sent waves of sensation through her.

His expression was thoughtful, and she knew he had more to say. At last he nodded. “We’ll do better this time. I’ll call you.” He laughed.

“Okay. And I’ll remind myself that you’re doing your best.” She frowned. “But you have to do better than your best.”

“I will. I’m committed. I don’t want to lose you again.”

She smiled. “That sounds so nice.” She sat up. “But I’ve got an early meeting. It’s a video chat, but I have some data I need to sift through before we start.”

“I’ll probably head into my office before bed. The team wants to touch base.”

“The Tandora team or the Top Flight team?”

“Both actually.” He shrugged. “So don’t wake me up in the morning.”

She laughed. “You got it.”

When she stood, she held her hand out to pull him to his feet.

“Goodnights aren’t so hard when you live across the hall.”

She laughed. “If I wasn’t so tired, I think they would be way worse.” She turned and left him to think about what she meant.

When she heard his soft chuckle, she knew he’d grasped her meaning. “Good night.”

“Good night, Gi.”

And knowing she’d see him first thing in the morning, she didn’t think three words could make her any happier.

She looked over her shoulder. Dex was already busy. Light poured out of his office. His phone was to his ear. Something about his expression made her pause. Stress, worry, concern, almost alarm. Was it really fair that she was heading to sleep when so much needed to be resolved in his world? She studied him and then stepped closer.

Chapter 18

Dex paced in his office. “Bear, what’s your take?”

In the pause, Dex could almost see him run a hand through his hair and squint into the distance. He appreciated Ridley’s perception. He had a cool head when it mattered. And right now, when Dex’s head was anything but cool, he hoped the man could advise him.

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