I didn’t even realize when I lunged over to him. Anger pushed out any thought. Instinct prevailed. I punched him square in the stomach, relishing the way he curled forward from the impact, letting out a strangled cry.
“That’s for hurting Anne and Lindsay,” I said, pushing him back. He nearly crashed into the door. “Let me make one thing clear. I forbid you to hurt or disappoint my niece. It’s too late to take back all the hurt you caused Anne, but you will call Lindsay on a regular basis. Spend time with her. Or else.”
“Or else what?” he challenged.
“The name Dumont means something in this city. The whole country. Piss me off, and you’ll see just how much power it has.”
“You don’t intimidate me.” Though he sounded damn intimidated.
“Call her. Man up and be responsible.” I was at the edge of reason again. “Now get out.”
He opened his mouth, closed it again. I was standing straight, feet wide apart, hands in my pockets, balled into fists. Something in my body language must have made it clear that I was out of patience, because he left my office immediately.
I was restless for the rest of the day. Even I could tell I wasn’t just being difficult at work, as usual—no, I was being a jackass. When my assistant burst into tears because I barked at her to hurry up with a report, I knew it was time to give up on this day.
Outside, I sat on a bench in Tompkins Square Park under the shade of elms. Damn it, I was still restless. I had no idea how to cool down. Sitting here wasn’t helping either. No, I wanted something else.
I needed Skye.
That thought just slammed into me all on its own. Taking out my phone, I hesitated with my thumbs above the screen. I wasn’t used to needing anyone. When shit happened, I dealt with it on my own or ignored it until it wasn’t an issue any longer. But this last week, I’d had her with me every evening at the hotel, and it had been glorious, no matter if we were talking, if I was sinking inside her, or just falling asleep curled into each other, which happened on two nights the second we slid into bed because we’d both been exhausted. I craved her nearness.
I finally made the call.
“Hey,” she said, sounding happy to hear from me, but I detected unease in her voice too.
“What are you doing?”
“Trying not to pull my hair out.”
I laughed. “That good, huh?”
“We had a zillion cancellations today, and I just figured out it was because our payment system crashed. It’s just not keeping up with demand. You?”
“In Tompkins Square Park.”
A pause followed before she said, “Damn, so your day is worse.”
“How can you tell?”
“Hanging out in parks without a reason? Not your style.”
“You’ve got me all figured out, huh?” Surprisingly, I liked the thought of that. And just like that, she was cheering me up.
“Well, no, but everything you do has a purpose.”
“I suppose you’re right. Can I persuade you to hang out with me?”
Say yes. I was breathing easier just at the prospect of spending the evening with her. It was just six o’clock, but maybe she could leave the store earlier.
“Depends, what do you have in mind?”
“Nothing, but I’m open to suggestions.”
“Have you ever been to Ancient Aire Baths? I haven’t been in a while, and we have a sales assistant here tonight. She can close without me.”
“No, but I know them.” They were practically across from the restaurant in Tribeca.
“Well, you’re in for a treat. I love them. Meet me there in half an hour?”