Page 240 of One More Kiss

“I’ve got it.” Simon paid the pizza man and carried it back over.

“So how was your day?” she wondered and plated a slice.

“Not bad. I looked at a couple of houses.”

“Nothing concrete yet?”

He shook his head. “I want to be careful and not take on too big of a project for my first one. Most of the houses I saw today needed some serious work. Shit, I’m not sure how the last one was even standing.”

“Sorry, I can imagine that’s pretty frustrating.”

He shrugged. “I just really want to get started on my future, and I feel like having a solid job is the first step.”

His eyes caught hers, and Bailey lost the ability to breathe for a moment. What was it about his words that had her so out of sorts? It’s not like he professed love to her. Hell, she was pretty sure his feelings were platonic.

Hers definitely weren’t, and that could lead to a problem. Her phone rang, and she checked the caller ID. Was it a bad sign that her heart sank when she saw Brett’s name?

“Hello?”

“Hey, Lee.”

Bailey closed her eyes. She absolutely hated the nickname he’d given her. How hard was it to say Bailey?

“Hey, Brett, what’s up?”

“I’m sitting in front of your apartment, wondering what it is you’re doing.”

“Actually, Simon and I are having a movie night.”

“Oh.” She didn’t miss the irritation in his voice. He’d told her that it bothered him how much time she spent with her roommate.

“Well, I need to talk to you, so how about you meet me in the hall.”

“Sounds great. See you in a minute.”

“Everything alright?” Simon wondered when she hung up the phone and got to her feet.

“Yeah, I just need to take care of something. It’s been about three weeks coming. I’ll be right back.”

She stepped out just as Brett was stepping off the elevator, wearing a dark suit. Did the man own any other clothes? A pair of jeans perhaps?

“Hey, beautiful.” He leaned in to kiss her, and she put her hand up. Something in his eyes changed, and Bailey tried to ignore it. “Is everything okay?”

Rip the band-aid off, Bailey. “I’m sorry, Brett, but I just don’t think this is working out.”

“What’s not working?”

“You and me, we just don’t want the same things.”

He stared at her. “You’re breaking up with me?”

“Yes. I’m sorry, but it’s what’s best for us both.”

“Oh, and you just happen to believe that?”

She cringed when he raised his voice. “I don’t believe that for a second. What, you no longer need me?”

“What the hell is that supposed to mean?”

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