Page 27 of Burning for the Billionaire 8

I snort because I think there was. I was a miserable bastard.

“But Grace came into your life and you werehappy. I just don’t get it. Why would you break things off? And so abruptly?”

I hang my head in shame. “It isn’t for you to understand. I don’t want to talk about it.”

Maybe she sees my pain because she backs down. I know I hurt Grace, and I hate myself for it every day. I’ve spent the whole week since she left torturing myself about what I did—and thewayI did it.

“Row...”

“I was trying to help her. Okay?”

She rolls her eyes. “So, you’re telling me you meant well? Seriously?”

“I said I don’t want to talk about it,” I bite out.

She exhales and grabs the diaper bag off the counter. “Fine. Thanks for breakfast. I guess I’ll see you around.”

With that, she walks out, and I hear the front door slam. Ember lets out a soft sigh as if she’s sad to see Mel go. It’s like my dog doesn’t even want to be alone with me anymore. Why would she? I’m ruining everything. Ember became a little depressed after the first few days of Grace’s absence—and I’m responsible for pushing away the other person she absolutely adores.

“I’m sorry, girl.”

***

I’ve been numbly goingthrough the motions for two weeks, forcing myself to interact with the people who care about me and take time out of their days to visit me. I really don’t want to see anyone, though—except Grace.

I’d give anything to see her walk through the front door, wearing her infectious smile and saying something to make me laugh. I heard from Mel that she took her trip to New York to meet the owner of the art gallery where she might land an internship. I was happy and terrified.

What if she likes it and decides she wants to move after graduation? I can’t exactly do as I’d initially planned and tag along. “Because I was dumbass and broke up with her,” I say, my voice carrying around the living room.

Laughter sounds from the foyer and I groan. I told the physiotherapist to leave the door open for Matt when he left a few minutes ago—and of course, Matt had to walk in and hear that.

“That you were, my friend.” He walks in and flashes a sympathetic smile, which, from him, I don’t hate. He’s wearing his typical clerical shirt, so I guess he’s stopped by from church.

“Hey,” I greet, preparing to shuffle out of the recliner.

Stepping over to the sofa, he says, “Don’t move on my account.”

I sit back with a sigh. I’m recovering just fine according to the medical professionals, but I still have to take it easy and try not to jar my fracture. “How’s it going?”

It’s good to see him. He’s been busy, so it’s been about four days since I’ve seen him. Not having Grace here has me craving my best friend’s company, but there’s no way I’m telling him that.

He settles on the couch. “I’m good. Better than you, it sounds like. I’ve never heard you refer to yourself as a dumbass before.”

I glare at the humor I see gleaming in his eyes. Then my lips twitch until I smile. I haven’t felt one of those grace my lips in two weeks—well, not agenuineone, anyway. “Yeah, well, I am.”

He studies me intently until my eyes dart from side to side and I ask, “What?”

“When are you going to reach out to Grace?”

Looking skyward, I groan. “I’ve gotten enough of this from Mel. Hell, even Kevin, who usually minds his own business. I don’t need it from you, too.”

He sighs. “You’re spiraling, Row. You’ve been depressed.”

“Not true. I chat and laugh with all my guests. And there have been many.”Too damn many. “I even gave an interview. Did you see me on the cover ofForbes? Did that look like a depressed man to you?”

Yes, I gave in and did a brief media tour. I had all the major publications come to my damn house and I gave interviews. I figured that was the only way to get the media off my ass and it worked. Now that everyone knows the juicy details—the Lockwood-related stuff— about my life, the intrigue about me has vanished. I’m just another stick-in-the-mud billionaire, and I couldn’t be happier about it.

Matt laughs. “I did. Good for you for finally embracing fame.”

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