Page 142 of Holding You

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“Oh, dear, I can do anything I want.”

“I …”

Saving that money would be huge for me. Just about as huge as if he were to start adding interest.

Shit.

“I’ll sweeten the deal for you, Ruby. Get him to back down and I’ll not only forgive your debt, but I will be sure that your design company is the required one for all my companies and my colleagues’ extended companies. You’ll never have to worry about money again. All you have to do is convince Declan to remove Young Technologies from this deal.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

DECLAN

I’m going to be sick.

The kids fell asleep about half an hour ago, and I’ve been dragging my feet to get to bed. If I don’t tell her now and she finds out I waited more than a day to tell her, I’ll only make things worse.

I pause at the bottom of the steps. The kitchen has been scrubbed clean, the dusting done, and the dishes put away. There isn’t anything else for me to do to put this off.

I’m avoiding the look in her eyes.

I’m avoiding the tears I know will come.

The fight she’s going to give me.

I’m avoiding heartbreak for both of us. Because that’s what it’ll be.

I’m going to ask her to come with me, but I already know her answer.

But I have to ask. I’d never forgive myself if I didn't.

I take the steps slowly.

You love her.

She loves you.

You’ll make it work.

She values communication, and that’s exactly what I’m doing. I’m not keeping things from her, so it will all work out.

“Finally,” her voice coos as I step into the room.

Ruby is lying on the bed in nothing but one of my shirts. She’s on her side, with the hem lifted just enough to show that she isn’t wearing anything underneath.

I swallow the dry lump in my throat.

“Come over here so I can tell you something.” Her smile is like a punch to the gut.

Whatever she’s going to tell me, I need to be sure I go first.

“So, I talked to Max about what you asked?—”

“I need to move back to Chicago,” I say quietly, cutting her off.

That wasn’t how I planned for it to come out, but stalling didn’t feel right either.

“What?” Her voice is even quieter.

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