in my filing cabinet and hung my blazer on the hanger on its side, all while sending up a mental plea that this hangover didn’t give me brain fog that swallowed my day whole. My morning went by in fits and starts, spreadsheets and paperwork taking more time than they should’ve. Lunch gave me a little pep, probably because I caved and begged Bell to bring me something greasy from The Catch. But by the time five o’clock rolled around, I was done. I wanted a hot bath and my bed. I didn’t even care about dinner, I only wanted to sleep for a year.
Chris arched a brow as I passed his office, silent judgment for leaving on time instead of an hour after close. I hoped he stepped on an extra-prickly sea urchin.
I pushed open the office door, the cool, early evening breeze a calming balm. Maybe I’d sit out on my porch after I took a bath. I was fumbling in my purse for my keys as I walked, not paying attention, so when I looked up just feet from my car, I startled.
Grant leaned against the hood, all Brooks Brothers business casual and overly coiffed hair. “Kenna.”
A muscle in my cheek ticked. I didn’t have the time or energy for this. “What do you want?”
He stood, holding up both hands in surrender. “Just to talk. We got off on the wrong foot.”
“The wrong foot?” I sounded like a parrot, but I couldn’t help it. The wrong foot was the understatement of the century.
“Yes. I admit I made some missteps when I was younger. I hurt you, and for that, I’m sorry. Can we start fresh? Let me take you to dinner.”
I watched in fascination as Grant’s face made all the right expressions, yet none of them rang true. He was simply an actor trying to play a part.
“I have no interest in going to dinner with you.”
His eyes hardened a fraction. “We need to talk. My parents returned to Seattle today, and my father left me in charge of the matter.”
“The matter?”
“Remedying this whole will and inheritance situation.” Grant waved his hand like a prince greeting his subjects. He looked absolutely ridiculous.
I took a deep, steadying breath, trying my best to keep my temper in check. “I have no interest in helping you with that.”
Grant’s gaze narrowed on my face. “I never thought I’d see the day you’d become so heartless. The Gables is important to my father. And if I get it for him, he’ll make me partner at the firm. You know that’s always been my dream. Even if things didn’t work out between us, I’d think you’d still care about me. Don’t you?”
My jaw fell open. I couldn’t help it. But really, I shouldn’t have been surprised. I’d let Grant get away with everything when we were together. I would’ve given up anything if it meant his happiness. “I stopped caring about you the moment you said losing my child, and almost dying, served me right.”
Grant’s face reddened. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. You’re obviously just overly emotional about something that has nothing to do with me—”
“Get off my car, or I’ll call the sheriff and report you for stalking.” I was done with Grant and all of his lies and manipulations.
His shoulders straightened, chin jutting out. “I’m trying to be a mature adult.”
I snorted. “Trying, being the operative word. Your chances of being a mature adult are about as good as mine are to pilot a crew to Mars.”
Grant’s jaw worked. “I can see my parents were correct. There’s no reasoning with someone who can’t act like a respectable adult.” He started towards some fancy car a few spots down.
“Running to Mommy and Daddy always was your solution. Too bad they can’t save you from being a douchebag.”
He whirled on me, taking two giant strides in my direction. “You’ll watch what you say if you know what’s good for you.” I instinctively took a step back at the rage in Grant’s eyes but forced myself not to retreat any farther. I wouldn’t give him the satisfaction. “I could destroy you. One piece of your worthless little island life at a time, Kenna. Remember that.”
Grant turned on his heel and headed for his car. My heart hammered against my ribs. I couldn’t force myself to move until Grant peeled out of the parking lot, and his vehicle disappeared from sight.
I laid a hand over my chest, breathing deeply. I was fine. Safe.