McAllister stands, his smile heightened by relief that the meeting is done with, I’m sure. He offers his hand to me and I take it.
‘It’s good to see you again, Summer.’
‘Thank you.’
I shake his hand, return his smile, but inside I’m questioning the ‘again’. Have we met before? I guess it stands to reason I might have met him at one of Katherine’s many social functions at the estate—many non-social too. But I only had eyes for one man back then.
I suck in a breath as I turn to face that man now. He’s still waiting, his brooding presence as heavy as the rainclouds outside. He dominates the room, dominates me, and I stifle a shudder. Why does he have the power to make me feel so small and weak?
Wrong. He makes you feel vulnerable, and that’s something else entirely.
I’m known for my strength, my decisiveness, my ability to face a challenge head-on. It’s time I started acting like me again. But before I do, I need space without him in it. Space to consider Katherine’s wishes and figure out a game plan. A plan that will keep my brain engaged and my heart locked away.
Question is, will he give it to me?
I straighten my spine and stride past him. I can feel his eyes boring through my backpack into me. My skin is alive with his proximity, my heart too... Getting space physically might not be an issue but mentally, emotionally...?
Edward
She’s surprisingly quick down the Georgian staircase, the backpack failing to hinder her in the slightest. It would be impressive if not for the fact that I know she’s running from me.
Again.
Once outside, she shows no sign of slowing, no awareness of me behind her...
Where’s she heading in such a hurry?
Anywhere you’re not...
‘Leaving without saying goodbye?’
She freezes on the stone steps and her bag lifts with her shoulders. She blows out a breath before turning to eye me over her shoulder. ‘Look, Edward—’
‘Don’t worry, Summer, you have form for it. I’m hardly going to get offended now.’
She nips her lip, blue eyes flitting between me and the street—her escape.
‘But we do need to talk.’
‘Right now I need space to think.’
I shove my hands into my pockets, try to ignore the pang of her dismissal and the dogged desire to stay in her orbit. Dammit. How can twenty years go by and that frustrating need to be near her in spite of everything remain? An intrinsic need that runs so deep it’s as much a part of me as the blood pumping through my veins.
‘When, then?’
‘Soon.’
‘How soon?’
‘I don’t know, Edward!’ she blurts, vibrant and alive in her exasperation. ‘This whole thing has come as a huge shock and I need to get my head on straight before I can have a sensible conversation with you about it.’
‘Very well,’ I say. ‘Where are you staying?’
‘What does that matter?’
‘I’ll send the car to pick you up when you’re ready to talk.’
‘That won’t be necessary.’