“I wasn’t snooping, I—”
“I don’t care, Harlow. It was out of order. You had no right,” he repeats again, his body almost vibrating with his anger. His hands lift to his hair as he tugs, trying to get himself together.
“Sir, I think you need to leave,” Teddy says calmly as Rylee comes to stand at my side in support.
“I’m going,” he spits before turning to the door.
I race forward, afraid of what this might mean for us.
“You can pay me back. I just needed to help. You’ve been through so—”
“No,” he bellows, making me take a step back. “I’ll figure out a way to get it back to you. But we are done here.” He storms through the door and down the corridor. I’m powerless but to watch him leave.
Inside I scream for him to come back, for him to hear me out, but none of the words pass my lips.
“Oh my God,” I sob, stumbling back until Rylee manages to get me on a chair.
I knew there was a possibility that he’d be angry, but I never expected…
A fresh glass of water is placed in front of me before Rylee drops down beside me.
“He’ll be okay. Just let him cool off, then he’ll listen.”
“You think?” I ask through tear-filled eyes.
She chews on her bottom lip for a second. “Sure.” She sounds about as uncertain as I feel, and it doesn’t ease the dread filling me.
“I was just trying to do something nice. To help him out. I knew I should have told him but—” My voice cracks and I stop.
“I know. And when he calms down, he’ll see that.” I can see the question in her eyes, but we’re not close enough for her to feel like she’s able to pry.
“His arrears and six months’ rent.”
“Jesus, Harlow. Are you some kind of secret millionaire or something?”
I shrug. “Or something. I’ve got inheritance,” is all I give as a reason. It’s not a lie. It’s just the kind of inheritance that just keeps on giving.
Reaching out a shaky hand, I take a sip of the cool water and try to get myself under control. Everything was going too well. Everything was too perfect. This was always going to happen. I was just too blissfully unaware as I enjoyed the perks of finally having a man who understood me.
“Just give him some time. If I’ve learned anything from Colton, it’s that men are almost as complicated as women, they just don’t like to show it. Let him cool down and then, when he least expects it, prove to him just how much he needs you. Rock his world the way it needs rocking and prove your place beside him.”
I nod at her, in awe that she manages to look at that man every day and not be a total fumbling idiot like I am every time I’m so much as in the same room as him.
“I don’t know much about him, but Corey seems like a good man. Austin sure has good things to say, but he’s also alluded to a dark past. Just be gentle with him. He’ll figure things out.”
“I hope you’re right,” I mutter.
“I know you’ve got Bailey, but if you need anything, even just a chat, I’m here.” I offer her a weak smile so she knows I hear. “And,” she says, pulling my clipboard closer, “this is really incredible. It’s going to be a huge success, Harlow. Focus on this while he—”
“I’m so sorry.” Sandy comes rushing back in, looking panicked. “Harlow, there’s a call on line one for you. It’s urgent.”
I stare at her and my body turns cold. I recognize that grief-stricken look on her face. I know it too well.
I race to the phone, but I already know the words I’m about to hear. My hand trembles as I lift it to my ear.
Even as I wait for a voice, my body begins to shut down. This kind of stuff is easier to deal with when you’re numb.
“Hello.” My voice is hollow when it comes out.
“Is that Harlow Winters?”
“Speaking.”
“I’ve got you down as Mrs. Winslow’s emergency contact. She’s currently being admitted to—”
I don’t even wait for her to say the hospital name; I know where she is. “I’m coming. Tell her I’m coming right now.”
I slam the phone down and run for the room.
“Harlow, wait,” Rylee calls.
“It’s my aunt. She’s in hospital.”
“Shit. Let me drive you. You can’t—”
“Whatever, but I’m going right now.”
“Okay, I’m coming.”
I fling the door open. Teddy had discreetly left during my previous meltdown to allow Rylee to deal with me and cut us off from prying eyes. I was grateful for his compassion.
I don’t see the hallway before me, I just take off.
That is, until I come to an abrupt stop as I crash into something—or someone. Warm hands grip my upper arms to steady me, and when I look up, I find those mesmerizing green eyes staring down at me.
“Harlow, are you okay?” Colton asks, concern lacing his voice. “I just saw Corey and—”
“Let’s go,” Rylee announces. “Ah, perfect timing, Ace. We need to get Harlow to the hospital, now.”
“Shit, are you okay?” He looks me over like there might be something wrong with me.
“Her aunt’s been taken in.” They share a look that makes me wonder how much they really know about my life before Colton jumps into action.
“Well, let’s go. You ready for a fast ride?” he asks me. On any other day, I’d blush like a tomato, but today I barely register his words as I follow him with Rylee by my side to the exit.
I’m on autopilot as I climb into the back of the white Range Rover I’m directed to. Both Colton and Rylee talk to me. I hear the sound of their words, but I don’t register any of them. The only time
