Page 27 of Park Avenue Princess

Chapter 8

Guy

“I can’t believe this,” I finally murmur as I come out of my shocked stupor and my brain kicks into gear. Addy—myAddy—isn’t Addy at all. Apparently she’s Lynne DuVall, and she’s here in New York City. Standing right in front of me.

Suddenly time is erased and I’m catapulted six years into the past. Memories of our time together flash through my mind causing my heart to race. She’s more gorgeous than ever, captivating me with those green eyes. Even if they appear to be filled with wariness. Can’t blame her. She probably thinks I’m going to blow up about our last encounter.

I want to even after all these years. But I won’t. I’ll bide my time and listen to an explanation. If she even offers one.

And,God, do I want her to offer one. I want to know why she ran away from me; from us. Why had she been so set on not getting involved? Had she really only been interested in a vacation fling or had something happened in her life to make her gun-shy about relationships? And to lie about her name? To not even give me that?

Addy. Addison.

Lynnie.

Jesus!

Clarity slaps me in the face when I realize she must be theLynnieElodie and Hollis were referring to. And here I’d spewed my story to Addison, an acquaintance and most likely friend to Lynne. Had Addison known who I was all along? Doubtful, since I never told Lynne my last name while in Hawaii. But I’m sure Addison had no problem making the connection after my tale. Is that why she always thought I looked familiar, because Lynne talked to her about me; about our time together? Had Addison told Lynne aboutourtalk at the party?

So many damned questions!

How was it that we’d never run into one another before now?

Whatever the circumstances, she was in front of me now and I was damn sure going to take advantage of it.

I take in her appearance, and she’s a vision in her cream suit. She looks damn hot in her polished, corporate attire. Most of her blonde hair is pulled back with loose strands dangling around her temples. I have to clench my fists to stop myself from reaching out to gather them between my fingers to see if they still feel as soft as I remember.

“Thatwasyou outside,” I murmur.

She doesn’t acknowledge as she’s rubbing her scrunched forehead where a nice bump is forming.

“Damn, do you need some ice?”

Her eyes widen, probably surprised at my concern. Of course I’m gonna be concerned. I may be puzzled, upset, bewildered, and a host of other emotions I could list off, but I’m going to be civil. And patient. Even if it kills me.

Her brows furrow as she realizes she’s rubbing her head. “Oh, no, no, I’m fine.” She drops her hand and the red knot on her skin now causes my brow to scrunch.

“That bump doesn’t look fine. You’re probably going to have a heck of a headache tonight.”

Her mouth opens then closes then opens again. “It’s fine.”

I try to suppress my grin at seeing her flustered. During our time together in Hawaii, she had always seemed so confident and in control. I guess coming face-to-face with a lover you never expected to see again can cause one to be a bit out-of-sorts. I definitely am, but I’m putting up a good front.

And somebody’s got to break the tension hanging over us.

“Listen, Ad—,” I catch myself from calling her Addy, yet I can’t seem to call her Lynne out loud. “I know this is, well, unexpected, shocking even, and quite honestly, I’m not sure I know what to say.”

“So don’t,” she rushes to say, leaving me to stare at her with bewilderment. Before I get the chance to say more, she hurries on. “We’re here for business, so, let’s talk business.” She turns around, obviously forgetting all about her intent to leave as she sits back down at the table. Pulling her laptop out of her massive bag, she opens it and powers it on.

Meanwhile, I just continue to stand in the doorway, probably looking like a befuddled fool. I mumble to myself. “All right, if that’s how you want to play this.” I’ll let it go. For now.

“Door open or closed?”

“Closed, please.” She responds without even glancing my way, furiously working her fingers over her keyboard.

She’s obviously not worried about being in the same room with me behind closed doors.Okay, so let’s get this party started. After shutting us in, I go to the table and sit across from her, waiting for her to take the lead. Jane didn’t give me much indication of what was going on, only that there was someone who wanted to ask about the paperwork Karen had corrected for me earlier. And imagine my surprise when that someone is the woman of my dreams.

Knock it off Hamilton and focus on business. We’ll get touslater.I’ll make sure of it.

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