Page 99 of Finding You
We docked, and I took a look around as the crew and Vince emptied the hull with the crane. I disembarked and made my way up to my office to grab my laptop before heading out. I watched from my window as my crew cleaned the boats, stowed nets, and organized equipment. It was a well-oiled machine, and we would be up early to do it all again tomorrow. It wasn’t glamorous but it was who I was. And I loved being CEO.
As I pulled into my driveway, the yard was bathed in a warm, orange glow from the setting sun. I thought I saw someone by the door. Were my eyes playing tricks on me?
Astrid stepped off the porch and started walking toward me. Was I hallucinating? It had been a long day and I was sleep-deprived. But it was her, clad in a black pantsuit, sky-high heels, and red lipstick. She looked beautiful and terrifying.
She stopped a few feet in front of me, her eyes roving down my body and back up to my face. We stood in uncomfortable silence for a few minutes before I broke down and spoke.
“Astrid. What are you doing here?”
She said nothing, just continued to stare. I drank in the sight of her—her long legs, her high cheekbones, and her long graceful neck, highlighted by her trendy haircut. It was her all right, and she was even more gorgeous than I remembered.
“I came to see you,” she said in a businesslike manner. “Can we talk?”
I nodded and gestured for her to follow me. We entered the house, and Ginger greeted her like she had been gone for years. In fairness to Ginger, it felt that way to me too.
I had no idea what to say or do. “Can I get you anything?” I asked.
She shook her head and turned around to face me. “I came to talk to you, Declan. I am unhappy with how we left things.” Her posture was perfectly straight, and she never broke eye contact. I worried what happened at the gala would break her again—make her retreat—but the woman standing in front of me was the confident, self-possessed woman I had fallen for.
I exhaled. “Me too.” I gestured for her to sit down, but she remained standing. I braced my hands on the kitchen island, expecting a verbal assault.
Her face softened slightly. “The last time I was here you didn’t give me a chance to speak. I came here because there are things I need to say to you.”
I nodded. “I know. I’m so sorry. I hate what I said and—”
She held up her hand. “Stop talking,” she barked.
I nodded. Damn, she was hot when she was in lawyer mode.
“You hurt me,” she said, pausing to let the words sink in. “I was confused and overwhelmed, and instead of supporting me, you pushed me away.”
I walked over to her. “I’m so sorry, Astrid.”
She shot me a glare and I shut up. “I didn’t stand up for myself, and that is something I deeply regret. Because if I have learned one thing in the past few months, it’s that I’m powerful and I will not be pushed around.”
“Of course.” I could barely get the words out of my mouth. “I didn’t mean to…”
She cocked her head to the side and shot me a stern look. I immediately stopped talking and sat down on the couch.
She started to pace around the living room, and I was mesmerized by her long legs in those sexy-ass pants and heels. I smiled.
“Do I need counsel for this conversation?” I asked playfully.
She stopped pacing and smirked. “Probably. I am a very skilled negotiator.”
“Trust me. I know when I’m outmatched.”
“You’re a lot smarter than you look, Quinn.” Her lips curled into a sexy smirk and I was completely sunk.
I loved this woman. There was no denying it, no hiding it. I only hoped she would be willing to give us another chance after I messed things up so badly.
“Astrid. I hate how we left things between us.”
“Oh really?” she said. “You didn’t enjoy steamrolling me, denying me any agency over my life, and then pushing me away?”
That hurt. It was true, but it hurt. I could see it in her face. Not only had I broken her heart but I had taken away her power, the one thing Astrid held so dear. I had been feeling shitty for weeks. I knew it was wrong. But I thought it was for the best. I now knew just how wrong I was. I hurt Astrid deeply, and that made me feel even worse.
“Stop apologizing and listen,” she snapped.
