Page 51 of Impossible Rapids
“Okay,” she managed.
He nodded to her and backed away. “Goodnight.”
She managed to repeat his goodnight and shut the door.
Would they ever be together?
He regretted kissing her. Again.
She touched her lips. She’d never be able to regret that kiss.
As you shouldn’t, Mercedes quipped.
Ah, friend … I’m a mess.
No response.
Julie wearily headed for the bathroom.
After a restless night of trying to riddle out if Shawn could ever love her like he had Mercedes and if the judge really could end the legal battle with Lucas and Arianna and what Shawn wanted to talk with her about, she woke early to work out. Shawn and Hays were in the gym with her. Hays couldn’t stop grinning, as if him catching them kissing meant they’d be together now. Shawn kept his distance.
They returned to their suites to shower, guards in tow, and then ate breakfast together. Hays said goodbye, and she got a firm hug and the instruction, “Take care of him and love him.”
“I want to,” she admitted.
“Then do it.”
It sadly wasn’t that easy.
Brett drove them into the downtown Dallas office building. They headed to their separate offices.
At about eleven a.m., Shawn leaned into her office, looking exceptional in a dusty blue suit and red tie. “Franz and I are heading to meet with the judge. Wallace promises this is the final step. Lunch at Takara?”
“To talk?” She lifted her eyebrows.
“Yes, please.” He held her gaze.
She couldn’t tell him no. She nodded.
“You’ll be okay?”
“Your guards act like I’m their most important job.”
“They’d better.” His gaze was like an exhilarating storm, grayish blue and powerful. “I’ll see you soon.”
He pivoted and strode off like the powerful billionaire he was.
Julie tried to focus on work, but the seconds ticked by like hours. Soon. Shawn wanted to talk. What would that entail? Could they move forward with a relationship after the judge’s ruling? Was it still too soon after him losing Mercedes? Probably. She needed to let him heal. She loathed the term ‘rebound relationship’. Wouldn’t that be what she was to him? A relationship too soon after his wife’s death?
Julie stood, needing to walk around for a bit. Heading for the restroom, she prayed that Shawn would call or text soon. Her computer beeped a new email when she returned. She clicked on it. Her heart leapt. It was from Shawn.
I can’t pull my phone out and text or call you, but I can email and pretend I’m checking something on my laptop. Everything’s going great. Go get us a table and I’ll meet you at the restaurant soon.
Julie quickly typed back. Back room at Takara?
Perfect. As long as we’re alone and I can lock the door.
It didn’t really sound like Shawn. Was he letting down his guard? He wanted to talk, be alone and lock the door, possibly kiss her without their security guys watching?