Page 103 of Tormented Billionaire Romance Series

“I bet she would just be happy to have a dog.”

“So, when are you planning to talk to her?”

My eyes widened briefly. “Actually, I just came from talking to her.”

“Did you tell her you love her?” Mom asked. “I mean, now or never, right?”

“No, Mom, I didn't tell her that.”

“Why not?”

I shrugged. “She seemed pretty angry. I didn't want to make her angrier.”

“I think that would make her feel better.”

“I wanted to see how she felt about me working domestically first. I don't want to drop a dog in her lap and then expect her to come along. That's what Gabe tried to do.”

“He tried to get her a dog?”

I laughed. “No, Mom. He just tried to get her to move to New York with him.”

“Oh, yikes,” Dad commented. “Big city slickers are something else.”

“I think he'll thrive there. But Clara would hate it. It's loud and noisy and busy. She likes the easy Midwest living. And I kind of prefer it myself.”

“So, why not stay here?”

“A domestic position is the best I can do to compromise.”

She nodded. “Well, I wish you the best with that, son. We both love Clara, so you don't need our approval.”

“Thanks, Mom. I do hope it goes well.”

I went back to eating. It helped keep me quiet for the duration of lunch. I was happy to be around my family—and even happier to be in town—but I knew talking to Clara would be a challenge.

I needed to rest up for that challenge.

CHAPTER28

Clara

I closedthe trunk of my car and hit the unlock button on the key fob, allowing Jen and Ryan to get into my car.

I hopped into the driver's seat. “This is the second time I've been at this airport in a week.”

“Why's that?” Jen asked as she strapped herself into the passenger seat.

I started the car and began maneuvering out of the parking garage toward the main road. Once we were on the main road, I adjusted my speed and shrugged.

“Well, I was here Saturday to drop off Gabe.”

“Awe, did my buddy already leave?” Ryan asked from the back. “I was hoping to grab a drink with him before he left.”

“He wanted to leave early to settle some of his work stuff in New York,” I replied. “But he seems really happy with his decision. It was good to see him happy.”

“That's awesome,” Jen said. “So, things are okay between you two?”

“Yeah, we made sure to patch things up so we could be friends. We didn't want anyone feeling awkward about it.”

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