Mid Life Love: At Last (Mid Life Love #2)(10)

As we approached our cars—town car for me, Bugatti for him, he spun me around to face him.

“Do you still think we need pre-marital counseling? Are there any other intimacy issues we need to discuss?”

“No...”

“Hmmm...” He pressed his lips against mine. “You are so lucky that I have a flight to catch right now,” he said as he slowly pulled his mouth away from me, as he pressed my crumpled notecard into my hand. “Be home by six.”

Days later, I stood in my office and stared at the newest set of family photos I’d hung on my wall: pictures of me, Ashley, Caroline, and Jonathan hanging out at a private lake.

In one photo, the four of us were building a large sand castle, laughing at how long it’d taken us to put it together. In another we were rowing four small kayaks across the water.

Ever since Ashley and Caroline had gone off early to college in Arizona, my days at home were a lot less noisy. They were actually quite boring.

I missed the two of them lying around on the couch—talking about absolutely nothing, laughing at my terrible jokes, and ultimately getting on my nerves from time to time. I missed that.

Now, instead of family dinners on Sunday and Thursday nights, Jonathan and I simply went over to his little sister Hayley’s condo and ate dinner with her. Although he never admitted it, Jonathan was missing family dinners too; I was pretty sure that was why he’d already planned a week of meals for their Thanksgiving and Christmas breaks.

“Miss Gracen?” My assistant interrupted my thoughts.

“Yes, Rita?”

“Your daily flowers from Mr. Statham have just arrived. Would you like them in here?”

“Yes, please.” I leaned back and watched as she pulled a small cart of flowers—orchids, Baby’s Breath, and white carnations, into my office.

As usual, there was a silver card with a note on top:

Dear Future Wife,

Do I need to start picking you up from work to get you home in time to eat dinner with me? You’ve been late all week.

Stop Testing Me.

Love,

Your Future Husband

I laughed. I was about to pick up my phone and call him, but Rita stepped inside my office again.

“Your three o’ clock is here now,” she said. “I’m going to go ahead and bring her back before my lunch break.”

“Thank you, Rita.” I stood up and smoothed my dress, ready to seal another deal, blocking everything else out.

As soon as the client walked inside my office, my mind was focused on white columns, framed cabinets, and the stained wood necessary to create a brand new space. She and I talked for hours, negotiating the timeline, the best materials, and of course—the cost for everything.

When I handed her the final contract, she nodded her head and grabbed a pen to sign it. “Everything looks really good, Miss Gracen. These dates work well for me.”

“Great. I’m really looking forward to designing your new living room, Mrs. Klein.” I shook her hand and stood up.

“Thank you.” She smiled. “I’m sure it’ll be just as fabulous as all your other work.”

“I guarantee it.” I led her out of my office and back inside the storefront, pulling all the drapes closed once she walked outside.

I’ll finally get to make it home on time today...

I started straightening the pillow display that was over by the bay window, making sure all the tags were tightly tucked underneath. I was tempted to lay across them and relax, but my phone rang. Jonathan.

“Hello?”

“Hello, Claire.” His deep voice still had the power to make me melt. “What are you doing right now?”

“I’m...I’m closing the store. You?”

“I’m driving. Are you tired?”

“Why?”

“Answer the question.”

“Yes.” I rolled my eyes. “I’m too tired to have sex with you right now.”

He laughed. “Would you like me to reschedule our meeting with the wedding planner then?”

“No!” I’d been looking forward to that meeting for weeks. “Not at all.”

“Good. I’m on my way to pick you up. I’ll be there in five minutes.”

“See you soon.” I hung up and started swiping a mini-duster over all the candle shelves.

I was halfway done when I heard the bell over the door ring.

“I’ll be right there.” I sighed and didn’t bother turning around. “Let me finish this last shelf and—”

“Claire?”

My blood boiled at the very sound of that voice.

I shook my head, knowing that I couldn’t be standing in my store. I had to be at home and asleep in my bed. I had to be dreaming. I had to be having a nightmare.

“Claire?” He asked again, and I pinched myself before slowly turning around.

I wasn’t at home. I wasn’t dreaming.

It was Ryan.

“What are you doing here?” I hissed.

“I almost didn’t recognize you when I walked in. You look good, really good...” He looked me up and down. “Life must be treating you well.”

“What. Are. You. Doing. Here?” I narrowed my eyes at him.

“Look. I know I’m the last person you want to see right now, but since I’m in town, I thought I would—”