Page 31 of Chasing his Ex

She nods, taking a seat and handing me a mug as I sit behind my desk. “So, what’s the gossip?”

“No gossip,” I say with a grin. “Work is good. I’ve been given a new case for a UK investment company. That should be fun and may involve some travel.”

“And...”

“Life is ticking along. Nothing major.”

“Jameson Sterling?” She doesn’t say anything else. I narrow my eyes as I wonder what she means.

“Nothing to say.”

She pulls a picture she has under her arm and hands it to me. I glance over at the picture.

Jameson Sterling and his British partner, lawyer Ava Miller, announce their engagement.

Rage boils my blood. “What the hell is wrong with him?”

“He doesn’t want to lose...” she says in a low tone that makes me look up, but she stops the moment she sees the frown on my face.

“Yes, he doesn’t want to lose. Full stop, nothing else.”

My blood is roaring through my veins. I’m so annoyed with Jameson, and finding reporters at the exit of the building before I leave for home is the final straw.

It’s over—I won’t share a coffee with him, a phone call with him—certainly not my life with him.

I’m over him.

Over Finn.

I glance at my watch as I stroll onto the Tube. I just want to get home. I’ve been working too hard lately, doing anything that stops me from going home when I know Finn is there with Emmy.

By the time I walk from the Tube station to my home, I’m desperate for a cuddle and my bed. My eyes are nearly closing through sheer tiredness.

Trudging to the front door and pushing it open, I’m about to kick off my shoes but see Emmy waiting on the bottom stair. Her face is down and dejected, her eyes full of sadness.

“Finn didn’t come today, Mommy,” she says, holding her arms out and wanting a cuddle. I pick her up, and her head drops on my shoulder; she snuggles her nose into my neck. “Does he not like me anymore?”

“Of course he does, sweetpea. He must have a good reason.”

Though I already know. I’m so annoyed with Finn. He pleaded to be part of his daughter’s life, waited until she really cared for him and then let her down.

Chapter 15

Ava

“What is wrong with you?” I hiss. I’ve hardly gotten into his office when his desk phone rings. He picks it up, staring at me.

“Yeah, it’s fine.”

There’s a mumble of words that I can’t pick up.

“It’s none of your business.” He slams the phone down and looks up from his desk, his eyes lowering again.

“Why didn’t you turn up?” I whisper-yell. “You pleaded to be in her life. You’ve seen her what, eight times, and you’re already standing her up.”

“I had a good reason.” His voice is low, and his head is in his hands, his suit crumpled and his tie rolled in front of him.

“I know. Charlie saw you and your good reason,” I say, my voice filled with venom. “And I’m happy for you. But you are not going to get a chance to break her heart as well.”

---