25. Brooke
brOOKE
Fortunately, there’s a dry-cleaning service for the building that picked up my clothes from Stuart’s suite last night and delivered them to my office this morning. They saved my ass.
I wasn’t going to let Stuart call some extravagant personal shopper again to deliver another designer suit and Le Perla lingerie with a snap of his fingers.
Of course, I was grateful when he did that yesterday morning.
It kept me from being embarrassed. It’s just frustrating to need his help.
Usually, I’m perfectly capable of taking care of myself. Well, I was before he entered my life.
An hour later, Stuart arrives at our law firm, and we head downstairs to meet the waiting driver. He’s scheduled for a morning appearance on a national talk show to promote the movie, which is opening in theaters across the country this weekend.
During the car ride, Stuart and I discuss the talking points Hannah provided. He’s a pro though, so he doesn’t need my advice.
After the thirty-minute ride, we walk into the lobby of the television station, where we meet Hannah. She hustles us into the studio. The station is flipping between local and national segments.
Stuart will be featured on the next national segment. Hannah and I wait behind the cameras while he is escorted to a chair on the set.
Soon, Stuart is welcomed by the well-known host in New York City who appears on the monitors.
Stuart does a great job of promoting the newly released movie and encouraging everyone to see it over the next week.
He also adeptly works in a plug asking for donations to the Foundation and explaining various ways that concerned citizens can become involved in solving the problem.
It looks like the interview is concluding without any questions about Mr. Champion’s death, which is a relief.
Then the chatty host unexpectedly throws Stuart a curveball.
She says, “If you don’t mind, I’ll ask one final question.
We here in the states are always fascinated by the love lives of royals and nobles.
Tell us, is there anyone special in your life? ”
Stuart appears slightly taken aback, but visibly gathers his thoughts, saying, “I’m just here to share the importance of thoughtful agriculture, and how we can all work together to protect our waterways.”
The host doesn’t give up though, asking, “But might there be a wedding for you in the near future?”
Stuart’s eyebrows raise, clearly surprised by her persistence. After an awkward pause, he hesitantly answers, “No. There’s no one like that—I mean . . . umm . . . special . . . in my life . . . now.”
My heart sinks as the host turns to the camera, saying, “You heard it here. Single women take note. Lord Sandridge is unattached and available.”
Then the connection with New York is cut.
All he had to say was that there’s no wedding on the horizon. Instead, he specifically said there’s no one that special in his life. Was that his way of casually reminding me where we stand?
I take a deep breath, reminding myself that I have no right to be upset. I’d just thought that even if we couldn’t be together long term, we had a special connection now. But I knew better than to involve myself with someone related to work. I knew he would disappoint me, and he did.
I also always knew that a relationship, even a short one, would interfere with my chance of becoming a partner at the law firm. And when the Triple Threat finds out, they’ll make sure that I’m screwed.
Hell, why wasn’t I more careful? I never should have let my guard down. I knew better than to hold out hope for something more. For fuck’s sake, we live on different continents. I never should have let myself entertain warm and fuzzy feelings for him.
Fantasies don’t come true, especially not for me.
Stuart’s all smiles as he rejoins Hannah and me. “That went well, don’t you think?”
I can’t find words to answer, but Hannah beams. “Absolutely. You’re a natural.”
“Let’s hope we have record numbers at the theaters this weekend,” he says.
“I’m sure we will. Your car is waiting to take you back downtown. I’ll walk you out,” Hannah says, motioning for Stuart and me to walk toward the exit.
I cringe when Stuart touches the small of my back, his touch no longer welcome. I glance at his face, seeing surprise. Now’s not the time or place to explain. Actually, I don’t want to talk about this at all.
Instead, I hurry toward the waiting car, climb in the backseat, and pull my phone from my bag. My goal is to avoid talking to him at all.
I’m scrolling on my phone, trying to concentrate, but I’m not able to focus on anything I read.
Stuart interrupts, “Is there a problem at work?”
I bite my lip, refusing to look his way. “Nothing I can’t handle.”
“I don’t doubt that. You’re quite capable. If it relates to the Foundation, please tell me.”
“It doesn’t. Do you really think I wouldn’t tell you if it did?” I ask, snippier than I intended.
It seems I don’t know him at all. I’m not special to him. He now questions whether I’d withhold information from him about the Foundation. That means he doesn’t even trust me as an attorney. I was probably just another conquest for him to show off to his friends, Evan and Sean.
“Whoa. Did I do something to upset you?”
“Everything is fine.”
“When my mother says, ‘she’s fine,’ it usually means she’s anything but fine. Please tell me why you’re upset.”
“Sleeping with you was a mistake. Our relationship is a business one. We need to stop crossing boundaries. I’m not willing to sacrifice my career for a connection that isn’t special. It turns out that’s just not who I am.”
Her voice is calm and almost detached, but I don’t miss the look of hurt in her eyes as she fidgets with her fingers. My brows furrow in confusion. I can feel her slipping away. Shite. Her words imply she’s already gone. Why?
“Brooke, I don’t understand. Our connection is special. What made you change your mind? Did someone learn we’ve been together?” I hedge, disbelief lacing my voice.
“No. This morning was eye-opening for me. A wakeup call. I need to heed it. Please, respect my decision. If you’d like, I’ll have another attorney assigned to you for the masquerade ball. That would probably be for the best anyway. After all, you don’t seem to trust me.”
“I’m so bloody confused. We had an electric night.
I’d spend every hour with you while I’m here, if I could.
You’re a smart, fascinating woman who intrigues me.
I thought you enjoyed our time together as well.
But somehow, between the time the interview started and ended, you had a complete change of heart.
I just don’t understand,” he says, throwing up his hands in confusion.
“You don’t need to.”