Piper perched on the desk. “Ah.” She snatched the offending memo off the floor. “That the jet’s ready to whisk you away to a tropical paradise.”
“She shut down. I…” I felt like I had a rock in my gut.
“You said it was temporary,” Piper said. “You both agreed.”
“Yes.” I spun to face the windows.
“Is that still what you want?” Caden asked.
“I don’t fucking know. I don’t want to leave her, but I’m not built for relationships, and she sure as hell is. She deserves better.”
Piper made a noise. “I hate your father.”
I turned. “Piper —”
“No.” She held her hand up like a traffic cop. “You’re not him.”
“I know that.”
“You’re a better businessman, a better CEO, a better boss than he ever was. You’re also a good friend. And you could have better relationships than him.”
“Are you giving me relationship advice?”
She lifted her chin. “Yes.”
“You don’t do relationships.”
“Because men are… annoying. Present company mostly excluded.”
“Thanks.” Caden’s voice was as dry as dust.
“It’s not just that,” I said. “I grew up without anything but money. I’m okay with that, but Tessa needs someone who knows how to give her a home and love and…”
“There would be two of you in this relationship.” Piper sniffed. “Let her show you how to do that.”
My gut churned. I think she already had been. “I fucked things up.”
“Uh-oh, what did you say?” Piper demanded.
“I suggested we could continue to see each other occasionally. I could fly here sometimes, or she could come and visit me.”
Caden made a sound.
“Like fuck buddies?” Piper slapped a hand to her head. “You idiot.”
“I wasn’t thinking. I could see she was upset that I was leaving, and—” I threw my hands up. “I need to find her.”
That’s when an alarm started blaring. Piper jolted.
Caden shot to his feet. “Fire alarm.”
Chapter29
Tessa
Ihad no one else to blame but myself.
Sitting in my office, I was thankful that Jazz wasn’t here and I hoped whatever task she was doing kept her busy. I wanted to be alone. I walked to the windows and touched my fingers to the glass. I didn’t see all the people outside having a lovely time. I just saw my own blurry reflection.
