Chapter 23 #2
He steps back cooly, as if I’ve just asked him if he’d like an extra shot of espresso.
My heart races like a freight train, running off the tracks. He stands there, not saying a word, holding my gaze.
He just waits. For me.
He always waits for me, and that only makes it hurt more.
I get up, my legs a little wobbly as I approach him. His dark gaze drifts to mine as he stands there poised like a statue.
“I’m sorry,” I say, wiping my eyes. “I just—”
“There’s no need to apologize, Oliver," he says softly. “I am the one who should apologize.”
He doesn’t touch me, but I wish he would.
God, I wish he would.
“I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable.” It’s the way he says the words so effortlessly, so naturally, that breaks me.
Because truly, I believe him. Sloane might be an asshole sometimes, but he’s not a bad man. My feelings matter to him.
“Sloane, I—” My phone buzzes in my pocket and there is a knock on the door.
“Sloane, you in there? I have projections for Phantom for a potential release, but I have some questions—”
It’s Ericson. Shit.
“Yes, give me a moment, I’m just going over Oliver’s review,” he calls out, the tone completely normal. Unaffected.
It’s mind boggling, and I don’t know if it means he’s unaffected by what happened, or me, or—
“You should talk to Ericson," I say, reaching for my backpack.
“Not until I am done with you," he says, holding my gaze.
“Sloane…”
“We do not have to have dinner. You do not have to come over, we can just—”
I wrap my arms around him and hold on for dear life. This man is a life raft, and I am a drowning sailor.
I breathe in his woodsy-leather scent, and let out a heavy sigh.
I know what I should do, but I also know what I want more than anything, and that’s Sloane. And suddenly, I know exactly what I need to do.
“No, chicken nuggets and Pop-Tarts sound amazing," I say, brushing away my tears.
I look up at him and see the concern on his face. He reaches out gently, trailing his fingertips over my temple, through my hair.
“You are amazing,” I tell him. His gaze softens. “I think it sounds like a great idea. I’d like to celebrate with you.”
Maybe I’d like one last chance to love Sloane Pierce before I tell him the truth. Before I lose him.
But if losing him is the only way to protect him… then I’ll give it all up if that is what it takes to keep him safe.
“Alright, if you change your mind—”
My watch glints in the light, the LED blue light catching. I nod.
“I know. Ericson’s waiting," I say as I sling my backpack over my shoulder and head for the door, unlocking it.
When I get to his office, I am alone. I pull out my phone and shoot Robbie a text.
Can’t. Working late tonight.
It takes a moment before he answers.
Missy
You blowing me off, Oliver?
I bite my lip nervously. Maybe it’s better this way.
I can’t do this anymore.
I won’t be a part of this anymore.
The texts flood in faster than a hurricane.
Missy
WTF what do you mean you can’t do this anymore?
Are you talking about the party or us?
My eyes fill with tears as my stomach twists in knots. I feel like I can’t breathe. It takes more courage than it should to type one word.
Because I know that one word is my step towards making things right.
This is my choice.
Both.
Missy
The fuck you mean both? Do you not remember who the fuck owns you, Oliver? News flash it’s not that fucking piece of shit thief.
Did you fuck him?
My insides fill with rage as the texts keep coming.
Tears fill my eyes as Robbie texts me a litany of insults.
Calling me awful names and saying horrible things.
I can’t take it anymore. I do the only thing I can think of and block him, just as the door opens and Sloane walks inside.
I shove my phone in my pocket, the words in my throat stuck.
“Hey, sorry that took awhile, but good news is Ericson says Phantom should be ready by the gala, so we can unveil it there to both Global and the masses.”
I look at him with a renewed sense of courage. This might be the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but I think if I have Sloane, at least for a little while, tonight, I can find a way to get through this.
I will tell him the truth and give him a choice, the same way he gives them to me. Laying it all out is risky, but it is a risk I am willing to take if it keeps him safe, and if it gives us a real chance.
“That’s great," I say, forcing a smile. “Two months will go by in a flash.”
He grins as he nods towards my backpack.
“You ready?”
“It’s not even five o’clock yet,” I say.
He smiles.
“I think we can leave early on account of the boss.” He winks at me. My cheeks heat as he approaches me at the table. “I have it on good authority he’s in a pretty good fucking mood, so…”
His icy blue stare finds mine, and I hold his gaze like he truly is made of glass.
“Unless you’ve changed your mind…”
I shake my head. “No, we can go. I think… I think we both could use a break, right?”
He grins, leaning forward to kiss me softly, ever so quickly.
“I love it when you submit,” he whispers, kissing me once more. “Now come. I have a plate of chicken nuggets with your name on them.”
And with that I grab my backpack and follow Sloane out the door, my heart in my throat.