Page 16 of Betrayal of a Billionaire

“Hey, Julia,” Kyle said, his voice soft.

“I’m fine.”

He heaved a sigh. “We both know that’s not true.”

“Obviously, I’m not pleased with Alicia’s reaction–or her knowing about this period–but there’s not much I can do about that, is there?”

“Maybe not, but you can let me give you some support. You don’t have to take this on yourself.”

Support was a nice gesture, but a terrible idea. “I’m fine,” she repeated.

“Julia–”

“Kyle, please. I just want to be alone.” She pushed the door, but he stopped her.

“Do you really? Or do you not want to accept my offer because it’ll make him mad?”

She ran a hand through her hair. “I have enough going on right now that I don’t need you two at each other.”

“I don’t care. I can handle my father. I’m worried about you. That could not have been easy for you.”

“No, it wasn’t. Ally’s upset. She’s shocked. Hopefully, after sleeping on it, she’ll see things differently.”

“And if she doesn’t?”

“I don’t know.” Julia shrugged. “I’ll figure it out as I go.”

“You don’t have to do that alone. I’m here to help you. Actually, I don’t normally like to admit this, but…we’re all here to help you.”

Julia smiled at his progress. Whether it was genuine or a ploy to get on her good side, at least he’d said it. Maybe this vacation would be good for the Harringtons. Maybe they’d find some common ground that could knit them together when the tapestry of her marriage to Grant unraveled.

“Thanks, Kyle. I appreciate that.”

“So, do you want to talk? Or we don’t have to talk. I can just sit with you.”

“No, I really want to be alone.”

“Julia–”

“Kyle, I appreciate your concern, I do. And your offer to help, but there’s nothing to do right now. I just want to lie down. That entire encounter was exhausting.”

Kyle huffed out a sigh as he let his gaze fall to the floor. “Okay. Well, if you need anything, I’m in the bedroom way across the house probably on purpose, but you can text me or call or knock or–”

“I’ll find you if I need you. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome, Julia. See you tomorrow for whatever Sierra planned.”

She offered him a soft smile and a goodnight before she slid the door closed and blew out a long breath. While she appreciated the support he offered, she couldn’t accept it. The turmoil twisting her insides into knots and threatening to be her undoing had to be dealt with alone.

She tugged open the top drawer of the dresser, finding pajamas inside. She changed into them and crawled into bed after opening the window a crack.

The soothing sound of the ocean crashing against the rocky coastline and the harbor bell clanging in the distance offered her some comfort. She’d missed that sound, but it brought pain with it, too.

Her hand went to the compass as memories flooded into her mind. The encounter with her sister had been draining enough, but she wasn’t certain she could face one with another key member of her past.

Luke. The man’s face floated in her mind along with memories of moonlit nights, warm embraces, heartfelt kisses, and emotions that stirred from a place she thought she’d left behind long ago.

He’d been her sole reason for avoiding Harbor Cove. She’d left him behind once, afraid their lives weren’t a good match. She wasn’t certain she could do it again.