Page 106 of Mr. Red

Except, I can’t get the woman out of my head. I’ve tried. I’ve tried going out with other women. I’ve tried not to ask my sister how Scarlett is doing. I’ve tried to stay focused on my business. Nothing has worked.

So, I pivoted, just as every businessman would. After a few weeks without her, I knew there was no way I could forget Scarlett. Since I left on bad terms, I was going to have to prove we should be together.

I may have overreacted when she told me she couldn’t come to Texas. I get so stuck in my head and couldn’t see reason in the moment. I like knowing things and having a plan, and she threw the plan out the window that day. It knocked me off my center. I was a total ass.

I know I’d do anything for Scarlett. It took me a couple weeks to realize I messed up. I hope it’s not too late to fix things between us.

I was trying to control everything in our relationship, but Scarlett is independent. I need to let go when it comes to her. I need to let her in. I think I can prove to her I love her and want to be with her.

I’ve moved back to Washington. I told Grant the deal was good and I’m expanding with or without his blessing. He gave me his blessing anyway. Since I finished the project early, the numbers were better than expected. I’ve gotten an office set up close to Scarlett’s gym in Lakebrook’s downtown.

I want to apologize for leaving the way I did. I want to take her in my arms and never let go. I want to make a promise to be with her for the rest of our lives. It’s going to take time, but I’m here for her.

I’m starting with sending red roses. I started with a rose at the beginning of our relationship and I’m going to start it up again with them. I don’t expect her to just give in, but they were sent an hour ago. I should’ve heard something by now.

I look at my e-mail confirmation from the flower shop—a picture of the roses on a desk. She’s ignoring me. I place another order for flowers and pick a different message to put on the card. Maybe she’ll reconsider tomorrow.

I feel good about getting my plan underway. I’ve messed up, but I’m not giving up.

I’m making Scarlett mine.

Chapter 59

Scarlett

I’m at the gym, working. At least, I’m trying to work. I’m still thinking about how I may have seen Matt this morning. The back of the head, the shoulders, the confident stride. I bite my lip, staring at an invoice I’m supposed to be preparing when Jason walks in, disrupting my thoughts.

“Hey, babe! Who are these roses from?” Jason asks, going over to said roses.

“Hey!” I smile. “I’m not sure. I was assuming they were for you or one of the girls.”

“These red roses? Onyourdesk?” He raises an eyebrow.

“They wouldn’t be for me.” I shake my head. “I’m not with anyone.”

“You didn’t look at the card?”

“No. I’m not snooping through other people’s things.” I look down at my invoice.

“They say ‘for Scarlett Daniels.’”

My head snaps up. “Shut up!” I scream, and then open the card.

Please let me explain.

Matt

My stomach has dropped to my knees. I can’t believehe’s reaching out. I also can’t believe he thinks sending me a card and roses is going to do anything. He walked out on me. He was angry and immature. I’m not going to just run back to his arms. Besides, he isn’t even here. He’s in Texas.

What’s this guy playing at here?

I tear the card into pieces and throw it in the trash. It’s been three freaking months and he has yet to return my call. Who the hell thinks they can send roses with a cryptic message? What does his message even mean?

“Please let me explain.”

Like I tried to explain we could have stayed together. He needs to sweat this out a little. I spent three freaking months waiting for him. The least he can do is wait too.

~

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