Bodhi stopped walking, then after a couple of beats, he started again. He was angry.
I realized he now thought Richard had assaulted me.
“He didn’t… you know. It wasn’t like that. It was… other things. Including not telling me he had a wife at home.”
Something in Bodhi relaxed, but I was pretty sure he would still deck Richard if he got the chance.
“Okay.”
We were approaching the house by the time he asked, “You sure?”
I took his big hand into mine and squeezed. “I’m sure, big brother.”
“Okay, good.” Then he made a thoughtful face. “Back in Crew’s office, you said that Carter reminded you of Richard, but that they were different.”
I nodded, remembering the conversation I’d had with my brothers.
“So… maybe you should remember that. Carter wouldn’t hurt you on purpose. And everyone encounters situations where they think they’re doing the right thing when it’s not.” Something about how he said the word made me think he was talking about himself, too.
“Yeah.”
I let go of his hand and we walked up the stairs and into the chaos that was dinnertime in the Harrington household.
There would be something else to occupy my mind with for a few blessed moments. Then I’d have to go upstairs into my room and try to relax and eventually sleep without feeling too bad about the fact that I was ignoring my phone completely. I hadn’t lied when I said I needed space.
Chapter 22
Carter
Iunderstood Hawk’s need for space. I wished he’d actually talked to me, and actively listened, but I got that he wasn’t in the right frame of mind. I wasn’t even that surprised when he ignored my call and several texts. I was willing to wait him out. Within reason. I’d give him a day to cool down, but no more than that. I wasn’t going to allow this to linger between us.
I didn’t know where we would be when the conversation was done. I wasn’t naïve, and this kind of thing could break a new couple. Not that I’d let that happen if it was within my power. Hawk had gotten under my skin and wormed his way into my heart. I hadn’t anticipated that at all, but I didn’t want to lose him over this.
“Do you want to pick this up tomorrow?”
I whipped around to stare at Marielle, who was wearing a contemplative smirk, and sitting on the other side of the desk.She’d just gotten back last night and we were supposed to be handling the rest of our business today because her visit was almost at an end.
On her third day visiting, I’d realized the set up in my home office just wouldn’t do and immediately ordered furniture for rush delivery and set up. The double desk now stood in the middle of the room, with room for us to face each other and still be able to spread out. Her chair was an exact copy of mine, and I’d splurged on gaming chairs because not only were they cooler than regular executive chairs but much more comfortable. Marielle hadn’t wanted the pink and gray one, though I thought at first it was a tease. I didn’t care, and immediately switched with her. Black with citrus green piping suited her.
Marielle raised her brows, and I tried for a smile as I shook my head. “I have plans tomorrow. Importantly, unmovable plans. We were discussing Keegan’s proposal for the three-season room?”
“We were.” She turned her attention back to the laptop in front of her. “It seems reasonable enough, though not inexpensive. And he didn’t send an invoice.”
“Figure out what the going rate for this sort of thing would be and wire the money. Add a tip. I love everything about it. Have you arranged for bids for a contractor to build the shelving?”
She pursed her lips as though I was stupid for even asking. I probably was. “You have two appointments next week. They’re in your calendar. I won’t be here then but I’m sure you can handle that on your own.”
“The sass!” I laughed and waggled my eyebrows. “Contact Keegan about procuring the plants himself. I’m sure there are nurseries in Denver that can accommodate what he wants. Arrange for him to handle selection, van rental, and delivery. I’ll need him to set everything up and instruct on care.”
Marielle peered at me through narrowed eyes. “You’re not going to hire a service to take care of them?”
I shook my head. “I’m going to try first. I need a hobby. I mean, if I start to kill them, I’ll bring in an expert. But I’m rather intelligent, in case you weren’t aware, and I’m very capable of learning.”
“I know.” It was said softly and with a tiny smile. “I’ll handle it. Next item on the agenda is the stable renovation. It needs some work, from what I can see, but I’m not sure what. And knowing you, you’ll want state of the art for your horse. Did you want me to arrange time with Hawk to advise?”
I grimaced but caught it and schooled my expression. I thought I’d been fast enough but judging my Marielle’s face, I did not. She sighed, moved her laptop to the side, and folded her hands on the desk. Her gaze was assessing.
“And there it is. What’s going on?”
