Page 122 of The House Guest

“I needed to be here long enough for you to come back to me.”

***

The moment we stepped out of the airport in Ohio, things felt different.

The California sun had been replaced by clouds and an ominous undertone in the air. I knew this was a risk. I still worried Primrose could be guilted into believing she was better off keeping her family together. If that happened, I’d have to face it. But at least I’dbe here. At least I’d know I’d tried everything. And I felt more confident than ever about us, despite my fear. As I looked around, though, there was nothing about this place besides Primrose that made me want to live here. It would take some getting used to.

We picked up a rental car, and Primrose was tense the entire way home. I parked the car down the street from her house so Casey wouldn’t see us together.

Primrose hadn’t had a chance to talk to him about anything yet, let alone tell him she’d brought more back from California than just a toy for Rosie.

I rubbed her shoulders. “You okay?”

Her breath trembled. “Yeah. I’ll be fine. This is gonna be hard, but at least I get to see my baby girl.” She took my hand in hers. “Be patient with me, okay?”

“There’s no rush, as long as you come back to me. I’ll be here.”

After a goodbye kiss that was wrought with pain, Primrose rolled her suitcase down the street toward her house.

As luck would have it, the rental house I’d occupied last time Benjamin and I were here was still available. I’d been in touch with the owner before I left California and would be able to stay there on a month-by-month basis.

Walking into the big, empty house, especially without Benjamin, was bittersweet. I knew Primrose was likelyhaving a very difficult talk with Casey right now and wished I could be there with her. I felt almost guilty to be granted the peace of this quiet place when she had to face the turmoil of ending her relationship.

I turned the heat on and lit a fire.

Later that evening, I realized I hadn’t eaten anything all day. There was no food in the house. I figured I’d go shopping tomorrow, but for tonight I’d sift through the menus in the kitchen and order takeout.

I settled on orange chicken from the Chinese restaurant and called it in for delivery.

Ten minutes later, there was a knock at the door.

But it wasn’t the takeout.

Instead, it was someone I was sure wanted to takemeout.

Casey.

CHAPTER 36

Dorian

“That didn’t take you long,” I said when I opened the door.

“She doesn’t know I’m here. She never gave me the address.” He moved past me into the house without permission.

The door was still open when I turned to him. “How did you know where I lived if she didn’t give you the address?”

“Before she left for California, she told me where you’d been staying when you first came out here. Tonight she mentioned you’d booked the same place. I never forgot the address. Told her I needed some air. Ended up driving here instead.”

I closed the door. “I don’t blame you for wanting to confront me. Not sure I’d be able to wait either, in your situation.”

He squinted. “You know, I thought I’d never seen your face. But now I realize I have. You’re the guy from the supermarket.”

“I’m surprised you recognize me.”

“Well, you’re a good-looking bastard, unfortunately for me. Not the kind of face you forget.”

“Thanks. I think?” I watched as he began to pace. “Anyway, that supermarket run-in wasn’t planned. My friend and I just happened to be there, and I wasn’t sure how to react.”