why should that be Declan?” she asked.
“Look, you’re a smart woman. Who loves that company more than I do? Declan does. He’ll ensure that your shares in the company are performing because if they aren’t, it will undermine how well the company does. You benefit from the profit. It’s clearly a win-win situation for you. And I know you don’t care about the baby, but come on, should something happen to you, wouldn’t you want to leave that for your child?”
“Moore, this wasn’t a part of the plan.” Choto covered Poppy’s hand. “We’ll need some time to think about this.”
I rose to my feet and indicated for Merrick to do the same. “You have the rest of dinner to talk it over.” It was satisfying I’d regained the upper hand. “That’s all the time I’m giving you. When you get home, Poppy, you can let me know your decision, but make no mistake. If you don’t agree, you can pack your bags and go.”
I almost choked on the words, but they needed to be said. I couldn’t have her believing she’d won. Next, she’d ask for all my shares in the company, and I wouldn’t…couldn’t do that to Declan. I knew he had plans for the company, and it was bad enough that I was promising to write her a third of it in my will.
Without a backward glance, I left the restaurant, Merrick following me. Once we were outside, I allowed my shoulders to drop.
“Fuck.”
“Fuck’s right,” Merrick said. “I’m half hoping she doesn’t accept your proposal for you to let go of her. Her price is too high, man.”
I swallowed the knot that had formed in my throat. I needed a distraction, and I knew exactly where I could find it. But after ignoring his message two days ago, how could I just show up on August’s doorsteps?
Hey, Charles. Just checking that everything is okay with you?
I wasn’t even sure what I wanted from him so I’d not responded. But I needed something to dull the ache in my chest.
“I’ll keep you up-to-date with what’s decided.”
“Do that.” He gave my shoulder a squeeze. “And go stargazing. It always puts you in a better mood.”
I nodded and headed for my car. That was what I should do. Go look at the night’s sky and drown myself in the celestial bodies that weren’t visible to the naked eye.
A better option than to drown myself under the flood of emotions I felt being in August’s arms.
Chapter 22
Auggie
“Can I come over?”
When I listened to Charles’s voicemail, my first instinct was to say no. I wasn’t expecting company, and I’d already resigned myself to spending the night alone in the hot tub with a bottle of beer, music, low lights, and lube.
If I couldn’t have Charles and I couldn’t risk the club, I could pleasure myself. It wouldn’t be the first time nor the last. I’d already set the mood. Who said I couldn’t romance myself? It might sound a bit corny, but just setting up everything had relaxed me a great deal.
I replayed his message.
“Can I come over?”
There. The tightness in his voice. The almost desperate tone. Something was wrong. I shouldn’t get involved any more than I already was. It was bad enough we’d slept together. We’d decided it was a one-time thing. He’d ignored my message two days ago when I checked up on him.
He had no right to request my time, and yet there was no way in hell I could turn him down. And not just because when I was at my lowest point a few days ago, he’d shown up, but this was Charles Moore. I’d wanted him almost instantly when we first met, but it went even deeper.
I cared about him and what made him upset. I cared to know what made him laugh so I could see his face light up more often.
Instead of sending him a voicemail, I pressed Call. He might be with his wife, but that came second to my worry about why he sounded so upset. Besides, he could always reject my call if he wasn’t alone.
“August, you called me.” Surprise colored his voice.
“Of course. What’s wrong?”
“I don’t want to talk over the phone. Are you busy?”
Yes, busy entertaining myself while Lucky looks on in sympathy.
“No, I’m not.”
“I can come over, then, right?” He sounded hesitant as though contemplating that unanswered message of mine he’d ignored.
“Yes, Charles.” Like I could say no to him. “Come on over, and we’ll talk.”
“Good, because I’m