Page 38 of Kiss Me, Mr. Bridge

“Because I can’t do this, Mr. Bridge.”

“What?”

“Speak to you. Think about you. And every time I see your name, I do just that. I’m taking some time off and when I get back, I might feel different and look at us for the opportunity you gave me, rather than—”

“Than what?”

“Than how you made me feel.” I hear her deep gulp. “And I left you a present.” The line goes dead.

The car pulls up to my house. A package sits by the front door, wrapped in brown paper. Inside, I find a hand-painted portrait of a large hand wrapped around a slender neck, and the sun setting in the background.

My throat closes up.

The note reads:

You need a splash of color in your life.

I slam my golf club into my bag. “Damn slice.”

“You’re off your game today.” Caleb stares at me as we jump into the cart and head toward the clubhouse.

“Just tired.” The truth is, I haven’t slept properly since Lucia left my life.

Inside, Niall waves us over to his table. “You boys took your time. Another round?”

“Whiskey.” I drop into the chair. “Neat.”

“Make that two,” Caleb adds.

“Lucia’s moving to Hunter Beach.” Niall’s words hit me like a punch to the gut. “When she gets back from wherever the hell she’s gone.”

I grip my glass tighter.

“All she would tell me was Europe.” He picks his drink and takes a sip.

“What?”

“She left for Europe yesterday.” Niall shakes his head. “I don’t know what she is thinking. Jack offered her everything if she moves to New York. He has a penthouse apartment. He’s talking about marriage. But no, my daughter wants to travel around Europe and look at art.”

“Why do you want her to go back to that cheating bastard?” The words burst from my mouth before I could stop them.

“It was once, and he promised never to do it again.” Niall waves his hand dismissively.

“Are you for real?” I lean forward. “He cheated.”

“It doesn’t matter. She’s adamant about moving away. Says she needs space to think, breathe and paint or some other nonsense.”

“Let her be,” Caleb interjects, shooting me a warning look. “She’s old enough to make her own choices.”

“I will let her have her vacation, but when she gets back. I’m not letting her throw away this opportunity.” Niall downs his drink.

My knuckles turn white around my glass. The thought of Lucia with Jack makes my blood boil. But I have no right to feel this way. I’m the one who ended things.

“Another round?” Caleb asks, clearly trying to change the subject.

I shake my head. “I should head back to the office.”

Chapter 11

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