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“I'll clean that up later,” I said to Luna, pointing to the mess on the wood floor, before turning toward the stairs. “Everything is fine, Alice. Just a little spill. Nothing to worry about.”
Alice was my first priority. And to think if things had gone right with Luna in the first place, I might not have Alice.
“I'm coming,” I told Alice again. “Rain check on this conversation?” I asked Luna.
Luna nodded her soft gaze hardening when it returned to meet mine.
“An eight-year rain check?” she muttered, striding towards the door.
I got there first, her comments razing my hackles. “At least I know I have the right phone number this time.”
CHAPTER8
Luna
“At least Iknow I have the right number this time.”
What the hell did he mean by that?
I was so dazed I almost didn't realize he’d closed the door in my face.
Rude.
I went down his stoop, taking the stairs slowly. They were narrower than mine, the wheelchair accessible ramp taking up the other half.
My security system beeped after I successfully plugged in my code.
That was a total bust. Adrenaline still coursed through my veins. It needed an outlet since I'd been denied a verbal sparring.
I threw on my running clothes and hit the streets, eager to burn off the extra energy, hoping a tired body would quiet my mind.
Afterwards, I showered and slid into bed wearing my favorite silk two-piece set. A delicate camisole and matching shorts.
As I fell asleep, I replayed Beck’s words over and over again. “At least I have your correct number this time.”
* * *
A few days later, I found myself back at the construction site for The Chateau.
Things were turning around. Walls were up, and materials delivered.
No migraine in the forecast today.
I breathed a sigh of relief. This project was my baby. It felt like everything I'd been working towards culminating together.
My career started in the service industry. I'd worked my ass off slinging drinks and learning the ins and outs of bar and club life.
That's where I met my mentor, Gigi. She nurtured my interest and let me take risks. It was one of the best things about her. Then, when she was diagnosed with stage-four lung cancer, she let me take over managing her businesses.
She left me the bar when she passed away six months later.
That had been years ago. I was only twenty-five at the time.
My businesses have exploded ever since. Because I worked like a dog chasing a bone. Determined to make something. A legacy.
And that left no time for romantic relationships or close friendships. I funneled all my energy into my work at the expense of my personal life.
That one night with Beck made it seem like I could have space for both… and what happened a few dayslaterconfirmed to me that I couldn’t.