Page 55 of High Rise Secrets

I need time alone.

I need time to heal.

* * *

It’sa long drive to Virginia, but I’ve managed to make it up here in record time.Thank God there were no cops out to stop me from going far over the speed limit. I need to stop at a store and get some clothes and toiletries before I look for a place to stay for a few nights.

I sit in a Target parking lot and pull up my blocked list, hovering over Ethan’s name. I wonder how many messages he left before he realized I’d blocked him? If I was a stronger woman, I would move on and forget, but I’m not. My entire being is drawn to him like a moth to a flame.

I open up the voicemails and scroll to the bottom to see I have ten blocked number voicemails. I put my hand over my mouth and stifle a sob.They are all from Ethan.I don’t even have to listen to know they are all from him.

This is the worst form of torture, but I can’t help myself. Like watching a train wreck happening, I click on the button to listen.

“Addison, I’m so sorry about last night. Everything about it was fucked up, and I acted like a complete asshole. I’m not asking for forgiveness, because I know I haven’t earned that. I just want a chance to explain. Call me.”

I delete the message and the next one starts to play.

“I don’t accept your notice to leave. We need to talk about this. Call me. I’m on my way into the office.”I hear the anger in his voice as he tries to control his temper.

I delete that one, too. Over and over—listen and delete. The voicemails get more frantic each time, and each time he sounds more defeated. It’s breaking my heart knowing I’m causing him all this pain. I close my eyes and lean my head back against the headrest as I click play on the final message.

“Addy. I’m so sorry. I can’t say it enough for you to ever forgive me. I don’t deserve it. I was angry, and hurt, and a fucking bastard. You deserve to be with a man who will love and cherish you for everything you are and not judge you on your past. I always thought I was that man, but it turns out I couldn’t be what you needed.

“I want you to know I found out the truth from my dad. He gave me a list with all these men’s names on it, and I went ballistic when he said they were old clients. I knew you slept with men—hell, you slept with me at the club, but when I saw the list, it made it so real. I know you need time to sort through your feelings and where we stand. Just know, if you come back to me, I promise I will work a lifetime to prove to you I’m the man you need.

He takes a deep breath and sniffles into the phone.“Mom told me the moment she saw you, she knew you were special and the one. I love the idea of you being the one for me, getting to wake up to your beautiful face every day, making love to you every night. That sounds like a dream come true.

“I’ll wait for you, Addy. However long you need. You’re my forever... if you’ll have me. I love you, and I was a fool for not telling you before now. If you give me another chance, you can bet I’ll rectify that.”

The tears fall so hard and fast down my face as the message ends. My heart has been shattered into a million pieces, and I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to put them back where they go. I just want to sleep until the pain dissipates.

I take a few minutes to get my crying under control, put on my big girl panties, and step out of the car. Crying never solved anything. Only time and experience, and maybe a good pair of stripper heels.

Chapter 36

Ethan

I’ve been sitting at Addison’s empty desk with her letter in my hand for the better part of two hours. I’ve left her ten voicemails and texted her numerous times without any response. I’m not an idiot; I know she blocked my number, not that I blame her. I would have done the same thing.

Landry:Heard Addy went home to Virginia.

Me:Thanks for the heads up.

Landry:The girls are worried about her.

Me too, Landry.

Me:I’m going to fix this. I promise.

Virginia. I’m not surprised she went home. I hate the fact that she’s running. I hate thatI’mthe reason she’s running. I pull up flights. The next one doesn’t leave until six tomorrow morning. It’s about a seven-hour ride, and there’s no way I’ll be able to make that drive tonight and still be coherent to see her tomorrow morning. The flight is my best option.

Hopefully, it will also give her some time to cool down so we can talk this out.And I can beg her to forgive my stupid ass.I can’t believe I took my dad’s word over hers. I’m such a fucking idiot. I haven’t trusted that man in over five years, so why did now seem like a good time?

He didn’t lie about everything…

No. He didn’t lie about some of her clients, but I don’t give a shit about them. I know enough about her time atThe Devil’s Playgroundto understand the type of situation she was thrust into. Well, some of her situation, anyway.

My phone rings, and it’s Clive Demurs, one of the board members.