Page 86 of Scarlett and the Big Bad Billionaire
“Yes. Exactly. Satisfied?”
“So, when were you thinking of starting the expansion?” she asked.
“When I have time,” I snapped. “I’ve got a full-time job with Viridian, remember?”
She recoiled, clearly stung by my confusing reaction and unwillingness to discuss the subject. I couldn’t though. Not when she was still talking about going back to Minnesota.
“I get it,” she said, but her expression had clouded over, and she’d pulled away from me.
I wanted to grab the belt of that robe and drag her back to me, but she wanted answers I couldn’t give. I didn’t know what to do.
“Sorry. I’m just… tired I guess.”
What a weak-ass excuse.
“Listen, I’ve been meaning to mention I’m going to be going out of state on a consult and install. I have to leave tomorrow. So I’m afraid you’ll have to handle the final arrangements for the art auction. I’ve got all the pieces appraised and logged for the program. I’ve already hired an auctioneer, and Viridian will provide security. If you and Victoria could handle sending invitations and hiring a caterer, that would be great.”
“Okay. Sure. We’ll take care of it,” she said. “How long will you be gone?”
Too long.
I didn’t want to leave at all. I wanted to stay here—with her—and enjoy every minute I could squeeze out of our fling. I wanted to spend more time working on the arts program and be around to help Victoria, too.
But Ididhave a job. It was demanding. I didn’t need the money, but I’d made a commitment to Wilder.
And as Scarlett had said, sometimes you couldn’t just walk away from your obligations.
“A week. Maybe two,” I answered.
Her face fell. “The auction is in two weeks. After that, I’m going back home.”
“I know. I’ll try to finish it as quickly as I can. I wish I had a choice about it.”
Scarlett shrugged and stepped back. “I guess some things just can’t be helped.”
CHAPTERTWENTY-NINE
HEART TROUBLE
Scarlett
It was time to end it.
How could I have entertained the idea of quitting my job, moving here to Eastport Bay, and starting a cookie company—and starting a life with Gray? (Because, come on, who was I kidding? That’s what I would have been hoping for by moving here, that we would be pursuing our dreamstogether.)
But some thingscouldn’tbe helped. I hadn’t been able to help falling in love with him. And he wasstillkeeping secrets.
It was more than just an anonymous donor or his failure to mention that he’d be leaving tomorrow. Possibly forweeks.
He was closing himself off and hiding from me, and I refused to live that way.
I stomped up the stairs from the pool with Gray close behind me. When we reached the first-floor entry hall, he tugged the back of my robe.
“Hey—Scarlett. Slow down.”
I stopped and turned around.
“Are we good?” he asked.
