her to hike Red Rock Canyon, and I have to be back in time for a nine o’clock meeting with my publicist.”
Yep, I was right; everything has changed.
And his girlfriend. God, Axelle.
I jump up from the bench and press my fingertips to my forehead. “I’m so stupid.”
He must sense my change in demeanor and stands up too. “Hey, maybe we can get together after you’re done? You said four, right? I can—crap. I have a meeting at three-thirty. Who knows how long that’ll last?”
I wave him off, backing toward the door. “Don’t worry. We’ll, uh… We’ll figure it—oh!” I scream when the door behind me opens and slams into my back.
“Fuckin’ hell, Axelle.” Cameron grabs me by my shoulders to steady me. “Are you okay?”
I rub the ache in my back, my eyes darting between the worried eyes of the two men before me. “Fine. I’m fine. Perfect timing though, I was just coming to get you.”
Killian’s gaze tangles with mine for a few seconds, confusion working behind his eyes.
“Of course. I’m great.”
And then, as if I’m being chased by zombies, I run to the locker room, grab my shit, and meet Cameron in the lobby.
I’m looking over my shoulder to see if Killian is still here, when Cam’s phone rings.
“What?” He opens the door for me to walk through it. “Yeah, I just talked to him.” I point to where my car is parked, and he nods for me to lead the way. “I agree. I think it’s a smart move.” He stands there while I throw my bag into the back, and I wave him off as I climb into the driver’s seat. He doesn’t leave though; they never do, insisting on standing guard until I’m safely out of the lot. “I just signed an indefinite lease on the penthouse in London.” I freeze, eavesdropping on the conversation. “Yep. Killer’s meeting with his publicist tomorrow to handle the announcement. He’ll head back next week.”
It isn’t until Cam mouths you okay? that I realize I’m staring blankly at him. I force a smile and slam my door.
Killian’s going back to London.
I’m losing him again.
Thirty-two
Killian
I have a headache from bouncing my eyes between my phone and the plate of Asian fusion food in front of me. It’s been over twenty-four hours—forty-two to be exact—since Axelle and I had our face-to-face in the gym. I went back to my hotel that night and texted her that I appreciate her filling me in on the last horrible year of her life and that I was sorry for blowing up. I also said I looked forward to seeing her again. And either she never received that text or she flat out fucking forgot because I haven’t heard from her or seen her since.
I took Fleur, Liam, and Jay hiking at Red Rock the next morning, got back in time to meet with my publicist at the hotel, and raced to the training center to catch Axelle. She wasn’t lying when she said she was booked all day with massages, but this time she never came out of her little room. From what I could tell, she was ordering the last client to issue in the next. I had my late afternoon meeting at the training center, and by the time I was finished, she was gone.
“Figure if you stare at it long enough it’ll grow wings?” Liam lifts his brows, his eyes dancing between mine and my phone, which is face up just inches from my plate.
Fleur flicks her water straw at him. “Mind your own business, Liam.”
“No.” I pick up my phone and shove it into my pocket. “He’s right.” She’s obviously ignoring me, and she’s nuts if she thinks she can avoid me forever.
Fleur leans in to me. “She’ll call; just give her some space.”
I don’t understand. I thought Axelle and I had a pretty good talk, but she’s not giving me even a hint of how she’s feeling. Unless you count her ignoring me, then I’d say she’s sending a pretty clear message.
“What time is the press conference?” Liam shoves a bite of food in his mouth.
I throw my napkin on the table and lean back. “Tomorrow at four thirty.”
“Four thirty?” He looks disappointed. “But it’s Saint Valentine’s Day, and rumor has it American girls are horny and willing on this day.” He shoves out his lower lip. “I was hoping to be drunk and the meat in a girl sandwich by then.”