I continued, holding up a hand, “I haveneverbeen the type to put a relationship before my work. But when things became serious between us, I wanted nothing more than to drop the stupid charade no matter what it cost me just so that we can have a fair chance. And even though I trusted you, I was still willing to risk it all for you.”
The creases on Scott’s forehead smoothed. “Not all.
“You’re right. When Dean handed me the Ballard event, that...complicated things because I really wanted that gig and I needed it to be perfect.”
He glanced down as if he was the one with regrets.
I rubbed a hand over my face, almost ashamed to admit it. Losing focus is unacceptable in my world as you well know now, so I put off telling you.”
Scott looked down and nodded slowly. “Well, lying is unacceptable in mine,Isabel,so if you’ve said everything you needed to…” he implied but made no move toward escorting me out.
“That actually is my legal name.”
“Yes I know, I was making a point.”
“I will leave but not before I say one more thing,” I paused and softened my tone. “Please don’t blame Ron for my lie.”
Scott laughed. “Oh don’t worry—I’m saving all this blame for you, sweetheart,” he stalked forward. “But while we’re on the subject of my father, this actually made a lot of sense. Because you see, I swore I was losing my mind the day I introduced you.” He shook his head and paced around his living room. “Let me tell you something Elle, I am awfully good at reading people, and I could tell that something was up but I pushed it aside because I didn’t think it would be possible for both of you to be hiding something from me.”
I bit my lip and grinned anxiously. “Ron never questioned my tactics…perhaps he should have.”
Scott glanced away then placed his hands back in his pockets, looking at me. “Anything else?”
My eyes watered, realizing I had yet to say the words. “I’m so sorry,” I whispered. “I should have told you everything last night.”
He swallowed. “I bet seeing me with Claudia was really convenient for you; you could end it with a reason and feel no remorse.”
“Would you forget about Claudia? Okay, yes, seeing you with her was a big push in breaking up with you but it wasn’t jealousy or anger. It was because I’m not one of those women. The class, the social standing,” I paused remembering a quote in one of the articles I’d read. “I’m the person you don’t bother mentioning did all the work behind the scenes.”
“Those were not my words, Elle, you know that,” he shouted.
I shrugged defensively. “What does it matter? It was probably paraphrased.” It was a low blow, but I was angry that he had little regard for my apology and after I’d poured out my excruciating six weeks, he’d simply asked me to leave.
He rubbed the stubble on his chin. “I think I liked it better when you were nervous.”
My teeth clenched. “I think I liked it better when you were ignorant.” I pushed past him and grabbed my coat off the hook.
I barely heard the footsteps behind me before he spun me in place and pushed me against the foyer wall. He gave me only a fraction of a second to push him away before he crushed my lips with his, kissing me furiously. There was no passion and it didn’t feel like he just wanted a last kiss. It was filled with anger and possibly a power play.
“I should fuck you senseless,” he growled.
“Do it.”
His eyes flicked to mine. “It will be goodbye, Isabel.”
But what if I could change your mind?
I couldn’t help but replay the words he’d said to me just last night. Standing at this very spot, pleading with me to see that we belonged together when I was ending it. When he’d seen the pain in my eyes and wanted nothing more than to fix it, to convince me to stay, to talk to him.
I had to believe that it wouldn’t be goodbye. I swallowed the painful and almost shameful acknowledgement if he meant those words and made my choice regardless.
“Then make it good,” I said flatly. The words felt like fire in my throat because I knew this was a bad idea. But I wanted him. Even if it was the last time. “And the name is Elle.”
His eyes swept me wickedly and he grinned. “Not tonight.”
Sweeping me off my feet, he led me to his bedroom, our mouths connected and hungry for each other.
I expected him to move us to his bed, but instead, he’d pulled us to a spot across it, to a narrow wall between two large windows. The drapes were open, the city lights illuminating the darkened room.
