a small breath, amazed at how much my grandparents influenced this young woman’s life. “He’d be very proud.”
“Just like he was of you,” she reminds me, then tears her gaze from mine, looking at Londyn. “Well…,” she continues, her voice brightening, “I’ll let you get on with your evening. It was lovely to meet you, Londyn.”
“You, too.” Her voice doesn’t sound like the one I’ve grown accustomed to. It’s more contrived and strained.
“And it was really good to see you again, Wes.” Sophia’s words force my attention away from Londyn. When she raises herself onto her toes, I kiss her cheek. “Maybe we can get together again sometime?” she suggests. “Meet up for a coffee or a drink to catch up and reminisce about Meemaw and Gampy.”
“I’d like that.”
“Great.” She reaches into her purse and grabs a business card and pen, scribbling on the back. “Call me. That’s my cell.”
“Will do.”
She turns, making her way through the dining room and toward the sushi bar where the other thirty-something-year-old women she came in with are now sitting.
“Ready?” Londyn asks in a curt tone.
“Right. Of course.” I rush to the door, opening it for her.
A tense silence settles between us as I walk Londyn to my car, then navigate the few miles to her condo. I try to make conversation, but she doesn’t seem interested in talking. It’s a stark contrast from the lighthearted atmosphere we’ve enjoyed all day. I have a feeling it has something to do with the fact I introduced her as my interior designer. Maybe I should have said friend, but the truth is, I don’t know if we are friends. Don’t know if she’ll keep spending time with me after the renovation is done. And if I’m being honest with myself, that’s why I’ve been dragging it out. Why I took today off. We’re probably only a few weeks away from finishing. And the thought of no longer having an excuse to see Londyn guts me.
When I pull up in front of her place, I start to get out of the car to open her door for her, but she beats me to it.
“I can get it myself.” She cracks the door open and jumps down before facing me, but she doesn’t exactly look at me. “What time tomorrow, boss?”
I wince, officially regretting my decision to introduce her as my interior designer. I should have known better.
“Maybe we can do something else again?” I suggest, hoping she’ll take my peace offering. “Maybe go to the SweetWater Brewery or something?”
“I think it’s better if we just work on the house. Since I’m your interior designer.”
“Londyn…” I sigh. “I—”
“No,” she cuts me off, holding up her hand. “It’s okay. I am just your interior designer. And as your interior designer, I’d like to get this project finished so I can move on.”
I narrow my eyes, wanting to ask her if that’s truly what she wants. Not just to finish the project, but if she really wants to only be my interior designer. But I don’t.
“Nine o’clock okay? I can come get you around eight. I’m staying in town tonight and will head down in the morning.”
“That’s not necessary. I’ll drive myself.”
My lips part, and I’m on the verge of insisting to the contrary. But I don’t want to press my luck. I promised I wouldn’t push her. So I don’t.
“Okay. Good night, Londyn.”
“Good night.” She starts to close the door, but stops. “And thanks for today,” she adds.
I nod. “Any time.”
Her gaze remains locked on mine for a protracted moment, as if she wants to say something more. But in true Londyn fashion, she seems to talk herself out of whatever it is.
Closing the door, she turns from me, hurrying up the walkway. When she disappears into the house without a single glance back, I expel a breath, resting my head on the steering wheel. How did I manage to fuck up what was nearly the perfect day? Will Londyn ever realize she deserves more than what she’s afforded herself?
Chapter Twenty-Four
Londyn
I collapse onto my couch, burying my head in my hands, wondering how today could have gone from being one of the best days I’ve had in a while to…whatever it was at the end.
I’d been enjoying Wes’ presence. So much so that I didn’t want our day to end. Then Sophia approached with her lush, brown hair, heart-stopping smile, and gorgeous body. Her gorgeous, white body. They looked perfect together. Like a real couple. It didn’t help that