Page 57 of Hard Limits

“I’ve never played, but I’d love to learn.”

Brax backed out the door to book Meera a hotel room for the night. He had an apartment nearby, and a part of him wanted to say “screw it all” and take her there, but it was a huge decision to make. Financially, he’d slide from the top of the board, all the way down the snake, right to the bottom. Would that be a deal-breaker for Meera? There was heat between them, that was undeniable, but what if his circumstances changed drastically? He’d have to spend long hours building up the business again, and she’d need to work too, at least for the first few years.

After he’d booked her a suite at the nearest five-star hotel, the next call he made was to his lawyer.

“She’s more than your personal assistant, isn’t she?”

“Why do you say that?”

“I’m your mother, Braxton. Just because I live in this place, it doesn’t mean I’m stupid.”

“I realise that.”

“Then stop avoiding the question.”

Brax glanced toward the door of the private dining room—the facilities at the Cardinal Center were second to none. Meera had gone to use the bathroom before they headed off for the night.

“I…I think I’m in love with her.”

His mom’s expression softened. “She’s a good one. Meera’s the type of woman you should have married, not that other opportunist.”

“I know. I just… I guess that after Carissa stuck by me through the Blackstone House debacle, I thought she’d be a partner for life.”

“She’s a parasite. Everyone knew you didn’t murder that girl.”

“It was hard to think straight back then.”

“I understand that. But it’s time, Braxton. Get a divorce and move on.”

“You know why I can’t.”

“Money isn’t everything. Look at me and your father—all the money in the world couldn’t buy us happiness.”

“I need to make sure you’re taken care of in the settlement. This place doesn’t come cheap.”

“You can’t let that keep you chained to Carissa. I have a little nest egg, and someday, I’d like to have a yard of my own before I’m too old to tend to it.”

“You want to leave Cardinal? But you said you intended to stay here forever.”

“That was three years ago. Carissa meddled with both of our heads. I was in a fragile state emotionally—do you know how much therapy it took for me to be able to say that? I was in a fragile state, and this is my place of safety. But maybe…maybe the time has come for me to have my own space again.”

“Here in Virginia?”

“I have friends in the area. I’m not completely isolated here, you know. Or perhaps I could try living in Los Angeles? I can’t say I hate the idea of more sunshine.”

“Are you sure about this?”

“I’m as sure as you are about Meera.”

“In that case…” Brax took a deep breath and let the unbearable weight of Carissa roll off his shoulders. “In that case, it’s time. I’ll get the divorce.”

“When do you want to fly home?” Meera asked. “Will we still be here tomorrow? Because there’s a botanical garden nearby, and most of it is wheelchair friendly. I called to check. The manager at the Cardinal Center said they could arrange transport, although your mom hates the idea of being wheeled around. She’d rather use crutches, but that’s not a good idea at the moment. She should be resting her injured leg completely. Of course, if you need to get back to LA, that’s no problem—I can book the flights right away.”

“Go to the botanical garden.”

“Are you sure? I feel kind of guilty doing fun things when I should be working.”

“It’s fine.”

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