Page 84 of Late to Love

I sniff. “Seriously?”

He holds his arms out for an embrace, and I step into them. The hug he gives me is warm and tight, and it releases something deep inside me. I exhale and hug him back.

“You forgive me?” he asks.

“For firing me? I’m not sure how I feel about it yet.”

He laughs, the sound muffled by my ear being pressed against his chest. “Something tells me you’ll get over it. But I meant about Anthony.”

We release each other and I look up at him. “Anthony?”

He nods, a serious expression taking over his face. “I wasn’t very understanding when I first found out.”

“Which is why I called you out on it immediately,” I point out.

He grimaces. “Oh, I remember.”

“And your timing was shit,” I continue. “I’d just gotten fourth place in a tournament and was so happy, and you’re allcan we talkandwhat the hell is this,” I mimic him, lowering my voice even as I grin.

“I know, I know,” he says. “I just want you to know that no matter what, I’ve got your back, Darcy girl. And I’m sorry I didn’t behave that way at first. It’s…well, it just took me by surprise, that’s all.”

“I accept your apology. Now, are you paying me severance?” I ask cheekily.

Dad makes a huffing sound. “Get outta here with that mess.”

Chapter32

Anthony

PATIENCE, IT TURNS out, is not a quality I possess. Because I spend a solid hour staring at the ceiling as the sun rises, trying like hell to decide what to do. Do I call her? Show up at her door and beg for her forgiveness?

I check the time. Six a.m. I fling the covers off and throw on shorts and running shoes, then gulp down a glass of water and head out for a run on the beach. I need to clear my head. There’s still so much for me to work through, but hell if I’m going to do that without Darcy by my side. If she’ll still have me, that is.

Water laps up the shoreline as I run, seagulls swooping and diving fifty yards out in the ocean as I try to remember the last time I felt so hopeful. Yes, I have mounds of issues that I clearly need to work through, but for the first time, I can take a solid breath without it feeling like my chest is going to crack.

With a smile, I bear down and run faster.

I fully intended to head straight to Darcy’s after a shower, but Harrison is already downstairs and intercepts me before I can make my escape.

“We’re booked solid today,” he calls over his shoulder. Then he turns and yelps, feigning shock. “What…what is that on your face?”

I reach up but find nothing out of place.

“Your lips. They’re…smiling?” He pauses. “Are you ill? Feverish? Did that punch Levi landed knock a few screws loose?”

“Fuck off,” I chuckle good-naturedly.

“Well, I’m glad you’re in a good mood, because it’s all hands on deck today.”

“I need to—” I start.

“Help me like the owner you are?” Harrison finishes. “Excellent!”

I sigh. “Is it that bad? I really need?—”

“Boss.”

“Harrison.”

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