Chapter 28
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Harrison
I deliberately stayed away from Adalyn because I couldn’t get further involved with her. I thought about her nonstop when we weren’t together, and I had to put a stop to it. The cold hard truth was that I didn’t deserve to be happy. I had too much self-blame with my mother’s death and my fears that it could happen again. I could barely live with myself as it was. I’d been handed a life sentence of personal misery.
The moment I saw her in the restaurant that night, I felt something I’d never felt before. I couldn’t explain it. I was drawn to her in a way I’d never been drawn to anyone before. That was why I went after her and offered her a ride when she left the restaurant. I needed to know what the hell was going on. Then the next day, the feeling intensified when I saw it was her I saved in the street. I wanted her to leave New York because I wanted the feeling to stop. But then my sister offered her a job to stay a while longer.
It felt too real when I awoke that morning after spending the night at her place. It felt as if I belonged there, and I damn well knew that would happen. That was the reason I never stayed with her after sex—all of this. Everything I was fighting was because of that goddamn ring.
I picked up my phone and saw I had a text message from Adalyn.
“I’m ready for the bedroom.”
“Where are you?”
She sent me her location. I grabbed my suit coat and headed to the furniture store. While I was on my way, my phone rang, and it was my father.
“Hey, Dad,” I answered.
“Hello, son. I just wanted to let you know that Jenna and I are flying into New York around six p.m. I want you, Athena, and your grandmother to join us for dinner at the Infinity at eight o’clock.”
“I’ll make sure everyone is there.”
“How are you doing, son? We haven’t spoken in a while.”
“I’m good. The townhouse is nearly completed.”
“Excellent. I want to see it while I’m in town. I have to make another call. I’ll see you tonight.”
“Bye, Dad.”
I dialed Athena.
“Hello, brother. To what do I owe the pleasure of this call?”
I sighed and rolled my eyes.
“Dad just called. He and Jenna are on a flight back to New York. They’ll be arriving around six, and he wants us and Grandmother to meet them for dinner at the Infinity at eight.”
“But I have a date with Pete tonight.”
“Cancel it. Listen, I have to go. Call Grandmother and tell her. I have bedroom furniture to pick out.”
“Have fun!”
I stepped into the furniture store and expected Adalyn to be waiting in front for me. She wasn’t.
“Hello, may I help you?” A young brunette asked.
“Can you just point me to the bedroom section?”
“Of course. Follow me.” She flirtatiously smiled. “This is where our bedroom section starts. Are you looking for anything specific? I know everything there is to know about bedroom furniture and mattresses.”
“I’m sure you do, and he’s with me,” Adalyn spoke from behind. “I’m already dealing with another salesman, so you can scurry along.” She smiled as she waved her hand.
“Really? Was that necessary? You were rude.”
“I guess you must be rubbing off on me.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” He looked down. “You’re not wearing that boot anymore?”
“No. Can you look around and show me what you like? I’ve been here for hours.”
Adalyn
We walked around the high-end furniture displays, and Harrison found something he liked. No. No. No.
“You really like that?” I asked as I bit down on my bottom lip.
“Yes. I do. You don’t?”
“It’s okay. I wouldn’t pick it for the master bedroom.”
He stared at me for a moment, or more like glared at me.
“This is what I’m buying for my bedroom. End of discussion, Adalyn.”
I gave him a heartfelt smile as I called my salesman over.
“He likes this one, Lawrence.”
“Oh. Okay. I shall get that ordered immediately. King-size, I’m to assume?”
“Yes. King size,” Harrison replied. “I have to get back to the office. I’ll talk to you later.”
As soon as he walked away, I looked at Lawrence.
“Keep the bedroom set I picked out stored in his file. Trust me. He’ll be returning this once he gets it.”
“Will do, Miss Banks. I have all your furniture scheduled for delivery the day after tomorrow.”
“Perfect, because all the area rugs are being delivered tomorrow. Thank you, Lawrence.”
I went back to the townhouse and smiled when I stepped inside. This place looked like a palace and was fit for a king and his queen. Too bad neither one would occupy the space. I walked into the kitchen and grinned when I saw all the appliances had been delivered and put in their place. Wow. That stainless steel really stood out and completed the kitchen's entire look. My phone rang, and when I picked it up from the island, I saw Mary was calling.
“Hey, Mary.”
“Hello, darling. I hope you don’t have plans tonight.”
“No. Actually, I don’t. Why?”
“My son is coming into town and has requested a family dinner at the Infinity. I would love for you to join us.”
“That’s sweet, Mary, but it’s a family dinner. I don’t belong there.”
“Nonsense. You are part of my family. Plus, I want my son to meet the woman who stopped at nothing to return my ring to me.”
“What time is dinner?”
“Eight o’clock. I can have Roberto pick you up.”
“It’s okay. I’ll get there on my own.”