Page 157 of Fiery Romance

“I understand,” he whispers, leaning forward. “I needed time, and now it’s your turn. But I’m all in, baby. I’m here for the long run and I’m not going anywhere until I put things back where they belong.”

* * *

I haveno idea how to tell Clay that my boyfriend is back.

Knowing him, he already has footage of Taz’s horseback buggy gift and the entire confession on tape. Clay and those questionable IT gurus are frightening.

It’s odd though. If Clay knows about Taz, why isn’t he forcing a conversation? Why is helettingme avoid him?

Yesterday, I hid out in my office and asked Amy to escort Regan to her father. Clay didn’t push his way into my salon. And when I texted him last night asking for space, he simply responded ‘okay’.

It’s a surprising acquiescence. I don’t know how long it’ll last or if it means that he’s gearing up to end things with me.

I don’t know anything anymore.

My head is a total mess.

Serves you right for dating someone else when you have a boyfriend.

The fact that it was an open relationship and that Taz encouraged me to see other people doesn’t compute to my conscience. This all would have been extremely uncomplicated if I hadn’t gotten myself tangled up with Clay.

The next day, I’m still slightly panicked, but I try to keep busy with clients and Regan. After picking her up from school, we go to the local carnival because I need lots of crowds and loud noises to keep my head from getting stuck in my thoughts.

By the time we return to the salon, Regan is knocked out in her car seat.

I take her out of the chair and heft her into my arms. Her lanky hands flop against my back.

My sweet baby.

I push her braids back, press a kiss to her cheek and whirl around only to yelp in shock when I see Abe standing outside my salon.

He’s wearing his preppy private school uniform. Hair mussed. Blue eyes trained on me.

“Abe,” I whisper, “what are you doing here?” My eyes dart to Mr. P who just shakes his head slightly. I face Abe again. “Does your dad know you’re here?”

“He probably does by now,” Abe mutters.

I check the time and gasp. “Did you run away from rehearsals?”

He shrugs.

I press in. “We went through so much to get you back to the play. You can’t skip out now.” I try to maneuver my purse with one hand while keeping Regan secure in the other. “Call your father and let him know you’re here.” I nod at the black SUV parked to the side. Abe has his own driver and security detail. “Tell them to take you back to school. How did they even drop you off here without Clay’s permission?”

“I have permission,” Abe says.

I stop with my hand already about to dial Clay’s number.

“Dad told them that once it’s you, it’s okay to take me here.”

“When did he say that?”

He shrugs. “I don’t know. A while ago.”

My phone nearly clatters to the ground. Clay trusts me with Abe as much as he trusts me with Regan.

It’s a shocking realization.

“Can I talk to you?” Abe glances at Regan and then his eyes fall to his expensive sneakers. “Please.”

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