Page 48 of Falling For You

I ran my fingers through my hair, frustrated by the man I’d turned into.

Why couldn’t I just tell her?

Violet was the kind of person who’d understand this passion project of mine. She knew what it was like to do something you loved.

Well, that was this project for me.

Or it had been.

I shook my head, realizing I really did suck at lying to myself.

There wouldn’t be a single thing about this that would make Violet happy.

They were destined to lose everything.

But I’d lose everything if I told her.

My investors would lose even more.

A faint tap sounded on my door, and I stood, glancing at the time. I hadn’t ordered room service yet, but maybe it was the extra towels I’d requested.

I walked through the room and opened the door to see Violet. Her smile washed over me with a warmth I couldn’t explain, and it only made me feel worse.

“Hey, what are you doing here?” I asked, tilting my head.

She’d changed out of the green sweater and jeans from earlier and wore black leggings and an orange sweatshirt. Violet looked sensational with her dark hair and big brown eyes.

“I wanted to come by to say thank you.” She whipped out a basket from behind her and shoved it toward me. “Blueberry muffins for the morning and a slice of chocolate decadence for dessert tonight.”

I looked in the basket, and my heart sank. I honestly was an awful person.

“Wow, Violet. You didn’t have to do this. Pulling you out of the trough wasn’t that big of a deal.”

She snickered, and the sound melted me. “It wasn’t just that. You’ve given me that little oomph I needed to focus on my blog. You said things I needed to hear, and I can’t thank you enough.”

I shook my head, feeling my chest tighten. “Honestly, Violet. You knew all that stuff, it was…”

Violet clutched my hand and squeezed it. “And I’m taking you out to dinner tonight. I’ve got reservations downstairs.”

Her eyes sparkled as she waited for my reply.

“Well, I won’t let you buy me dinner, but I’d love to go out with you tonight.”

“Fine.” She eyed me carefully. “Everything okay?”

I nodded, pushing my worry aside, but it came roaring back as I stepped into my room and put the basket on the counter.

As I spun around, Violet appeared behind me.

“You seem kind of distant,” she said softly, backing up. “We don’t have to go out if you don’t want to. I just thought…”

I smiled and stepped closer. “No, I want to. I’m sorry. I just have a lot on my mind.”

“Anything I can do to help?”

Those words crushed me.

“I’ve just got some business things to sort out,” I said, trying to keep my tone upbeat.

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