Page 107

Ben blinked at that news, but then he smiled. “Good for her. I like her even more now.”

“You’ve destroyed my family,” Bill said as he advanced toward Ben.

Adam grabbed him by the arm and began marching him to the elevator. “No, you did that years ago. And I don’t have to put up with it anymore. I had no idea Mom was thinking of leaving you, but I’ll be more than happy to help her in any way I can, as I have been for years. Stay in touch with Jeremy so we know you’re still alive, but otherwise, I don’t want to hear from you ever again.”

Ben followed a few steps back, and Eric stood up at his desk, his hand on the phone.

Bill looked back at them as Adam punched the elevator button. “You don’t mean that.”

“I do.” Adam strode back to his office. “Eric, please tell security this man is no longer allowed inside the building.” He grabbed Ben’s hand and clasped it before turning around. “I’m done, Dad. Unless you can cut the hate out of your heart, I never want to see you again.”

Bill glared at all of them, and then the elevator doors opened. He hesitated a moment before he got on, and he kept his back to them as the doors closed again.

Adam pulled Ben into his office and closed the door. He took his cell phone out right away. “She’s probably at a friend’s house. I’ll find out.” He put the phone to his ear and waited. “Mom? Dad was just here.” He listened to her reply as he walked over to the window.

Ben sat as Adam spoke with his mom, and he pulled up the article again. As worried as he’d been it might upset Adam, Ben couldn’t believe the negative reaction Adam’s father had just had. Adam ended his call and came to sit beside Ben.

“She okay?” Ben asked.

“Yeah. She sounds great, actually. She said she’s heading to a cabin for a weekend away with two ladies from her book club.”

“Wow. Do you … well, do you think…” He wasn’t sure what he meant.

“That this was a long time coming?”

Ben nodded.

“Yeah, it’s possible.” He sat back and slid his phone into his pocket. “We’ll sort things out when she gets back. She already has a lawyer. Has found a little place to rent near one of her friends.”

Ben reached over and took Adam’s hand. “You all right?”

“Not exactly, but I will be. Especially with you by my side.” He stood and drew Ben to his feet. “Come on. I want to eat lunch in a crowded restaurant with my amazing boyfriend.”

“Are you sure?”

Adam nodded. “I’m tired of hiding and being unhappy and all the other things that wasted my time over the years. Tired of worrying about what others think and feel.” He drew Ben closer and nipped at his ear. “Just be glad I haven’t bought a ring yet. I’d be down on one knee about thirty minutes from now.” He grinned and went to the door, holding it open for Ben.

Yet? Hasn’t bought a ring yet? “You better watch the surprises. You may have to catch me one day when I faint.”

“It’ll be my pleasure,” Adam said as he pulled Ben into the elevator and then into his arms.