Page 130 of Consumed By You

I don’t even answer him, not wanting to get into that mess again. It’s there. It’s always hanging over our heads.

“Starting a fight with me is not going to solve whatever is going on in your brain.”

He sets the glass down hard. “I know.”

“Do you want me to go?”

His head snaps up fast, his eyes hard on my face. “No.”

“Then whatdoyou want me to do?”

“You’re free to do what you want, Darcy.”

“What does that even mean?” I exclaim, my voice raised defensively.

“Look, Darcy, I don’t want to talk about Arthur, I don’t want to talk about my company, and I do not want to talk about my brother. If you have another topic of conversation, I’d love for you to stay with me tonight.”

I look down to hide my flash of anger. I’m angry that he’s hurting. Angry that he’s trying to push me away. Angry that he won’t talk to me.

“I’m trying to be there for you, dammit!”

“Be there for me a little less, Darcy.” I suck in a breath and he tenses. “Just for tonight,” he adds. “I really can’t take it tonight.”

After all that’s happened today, this is the last thing I want to be doing with him. “I’m just gonna go home.” I walk fast to the couch, picking up my coat and purse. “I’ll call you tomorrow. Or you call me.”

He doesn’t look up, doesn’t respond.

“Good night.” I rush to the elevator and press the button to go down.

My heart is beating rapidly, my emotions wild. I’m scared…scared to lose him.

“Darcy, don’t go, I’m sorry.”

His voice is full of regret, which makes it easy for me to turn to him. He’s standing by the table in the foyer, shoulders slumped. The elevator dings and the doors open.

“I’ve just never felt what I’m feeling, and it’s messing with my emotions…emotions I didn’t know I had.” He pins me again with those emerald eyes. “But I don’t want you to leave.”

“You don’t?”

He walks up to me, cradling my jaw with both hands. “No. No, I don’t.” He presses his lips on mine and I drop my possessions on the floor and circle his neck. His hands drop to my waist and he pulls me closer.

Still breathless when his lips part from mine, I wait while he picks up my belongings and leads me back into his apartment.

CHAPTER

TWENTY-FOUR

I step from the cab, straightening my stiff black dress. Kevin steps out after me. His suit is traditional black and white, something I’d never expect my colorful friend to wear, but today it’s fitting.

My heels dig into the fake grass leading to the group of people waiting for the funeral to start. Marilyn is already there.

I kiss her cheek in greeting.

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many people in one place,” she remarks.

I smile fondly. “He was an incredible man. I’m not surprised.”

“How’s Doris?” Marilyn asks, linking arms with me.