“Julianne Emory.”
She rolled her big eyes. “I know who she is. I’ve just never heard someone call her Jules.”
“Is she in?”
Moira pokered up. “Ms. Emory isn’t available this afternoon.”
“Does she know I’m here?” he asked, frowning at the thought that she wouldn’t see him.
“She didn’t want to be disturbed.”
So it wasn’t that she didn’t want to see him. The relief he felt at that was intense. “Moira, can you keep a secret?” he asked in a low voice, moving them both away from the receptionist.
The woman looked at him suspiciously. “Of course.”
He met her eye so there’d be no mistaking his sincerity. “I love Jules, but I fucked up this morning and hurt her. I want to apologize to her. I also want to check on her, because I know she had the mediation today and she was stressed about it.”
Moira stared at him steadily. For a second he thought she was going to turn him away, but then she just said, “Follow me,” then turned on her heel and marched off.
He blinked at the suddenness of it. Then he hurried after her. “Thank you,” he said to her when he caught up.
“Now I understand what’s been going on.” She shook her head. “Iknewshe had to be seeing someone. I didn’t expect someone like you.” She glanced up at him. “I thought she’d go for the stuffy legal type, not a bad boy.”
“I’m not a bad boy,” he said. He was a good man, and he was going to show that to Jules.
Moira pointed to a closed door. “She’s in there. Knock before you enter.”
He raised his brow. “Do I look uncivilized?”
“Yes.” She flashed him a small smile. “In the best way. Good luck.”
He didn’t need luck—he had love on his side. He walked up to the door and knocked softly. He heard her muffled voice telling him to enter, so he pushed it open.
She had her back to him, turned around in her chair and staring out the window into the gray Chicago day. “What do you need, Moira?”
Her voice sounded sad and tired. He wondered how much of that was because of him. “My name is Danny Gilbert, and I need you.”
She whirled in the chair, gaping at him. “Danny. You’re in London.”
He shook his head as he approached her. “I didn’t go. I got to the airport and realized I was an idiot.”
Crossing her arms over her chest, she nodded. “You were an idiot.”
“I thought, becauseyouare the smart one in this relationship, that you might forgive me if I promise never to make a mistake like that again.” He stopped in front of her, waiting.
“What if your dad or brother call?” she asked suspiciously.
“I decided to pick what I wanted.” He smiled sadly. “I told them they had to leave or I’d call the police. I didn’t have any other choice.”
“They didn’t leave you any other choice.” She stood up. “Are you worried about your foundation?”
“A little, but MacNiven will help me.” He reached out to brush her cheek. “I’m hoping to have a brilliant lawyer on retainer as well, just in case.”
“We’ll talk to Connor too,” she said, taking his hand.
He stilled. “Does that mean I’m forgiven? I wouldn’t have hurt you for the world. I’m sorry, Jules. I love you.”
“I forgive you.” She lifted her gaze to his. “And I love you too.”