Now, here I was in the middle of the most complicated situation I’d ever encountered. “I’ll have to buy you a new wardrobe in aqua. I love knowing you think of me when you wear this color.”
“What are we, Remi?”
I knew the question would come, eventually. I just didn’t expect it today.
“I don’t know.” The truth came out faster than I wanted.
An epiphany occurred to me—I was compromising,bendingthe rules to something I had firmly set. Months ago, Iknewfor certain I had to stay away from her. That knowledge and conviction was thenonnegotiablecontract I had made with me, myself, and I. Now, I meandered through the firm landscape, carving out pathways to make things work, improvising as I went along, hoping a brilliant idea would illuminate a well-defined path. So far, I still didn’t know what I was doing.
A man who had always been certain, I had become an uncertain man because of a woman. No one had ever swayed me like this or made me want so damn much.
“I love your honesty.” She smiled with satisfaction. “It shows you’re trying.”
Making a right turn into the Luxe Hotel, I pulled up behind a silver Bentley. I got out, rounded the hood, and opened the door for Audri.
A tall valet approached me with a wide grin as I handed him my spare key. “Please deliver the luggage to Suite 44.”
“Will do, sir. Have a great evening.”
“You as well.” I slipped a big tip into his hand. Turning to Audri, I intertwined my fingers with hers.
“So, what is this event?” she asked, glancing at the luxurious cars lining up behind mine.
I had asked her to attend a charity party without giving out too many details, only that her presence would allow me to excuse myself earlier. Which wasn’t a lie.
“A charity event for Save the Animals.”
CHAPTERTHIRTY
AUDRI
I enteredthe massive ballroom decorated like a royal wedding with extravagant centerpieces, cream-colored satin chairs, and waiters and waitresses carrying trays of delicacies that probably cost more than my weekly meals combined.
A waitress with curly hair stopped with a large tray of attractive hors d’oeuvres. Remi took a small dish and grabbed several pieces with a fork. With his fingers, he grabbed something that looked like a fig and smelled delicious, holding it out to me.
“Open up. This is a maple caramelized fig topped with smoky bacon and chilis. It’s a must-try delicacy. You won’t regret it.”
I opened my mouth, and a burst of flavor filled my tongue.
“And?”
I moaned. “It’s sweet, salty, and satisfying. Thank you.”
He popped one into his mouth, then cleaned his hand with a wet napkin provided by a server.
Remi nodded to a few men as he ushered me to the table with information about the charity.
“Why did you take me here?” I asked, already knowing the answer.
“This could be the start of your healing journey. I know how much you love Mochi. He’d want this for you.”
A breath caught in my throat as emotion whirled. I hadn’t expected him to remember my cat’s name, let alone consider my healing. I appreciated his effort more than he could ever know, but didn’t know what to say to him.
Tears pushed to the surface, but I shoved them down. I didn’t want to smudge my makeup so soon.
“Thank you,” I said, studying him. His dark brown hair had grown long, a few strands falling over his forehead. The rogue strands gave him an edge, which I knew existed beneath the fine, cultured, and controlled façade.
I had firsthand experience of the passionate man under that coolness and wanted that experience again.