Page 122 of The Last Goodbye

“Okay. See you soon.”

My stomach was in knots as I made my way to Bennett’s on the Bay and walked in through the back door.

There he was, in all his glory.

Bass Bennett.

He had music playing while he chopped some vegetables like a ninja, all while laughing with Joey and Franco.

They were in their element.

My heart raced from the call with my brother, and I needed to get home and pack a bag and leave within an hour. I didn’t feel like I was withholding much, since I truly didn’t know what was happening.

But I knew it wasn’t good.

“Hey,” I said as I walked up beside him. He smiled, the corners of his eyes crinkling the slightest bit.

“Hey. I thought you were heading home to change clothes to go meet Gracie and Tatum for dinner?” He kissed the tip of my nose.

“I got a call from Denton, actually. There’s a little emergency at the office with one of my projects, and I need to fly back and deal with it. I leave in an hour.” I kept my voice completely even and forced a smile.

“Do you think they’re just telling you that, and maybe your dad is going to announce that you made partner?”

I wished that were the case, but Denton wouldn’t scare me about the hotel. And he would have encouraged me to bring Bass with me if that were happening.

“My dad isn’t big on surprises. He likes to do things for appearances, so I don’t think it’s that.” I shrugged. “But I know it’s important because Denton reserved the plane and asked me to come home.”

He studied me. “Should I come with you?”

“No. I’m fine. I just need to go spend a few days there and work out of the office there. But I appreciate the offer.” I pushed up on my tiptoes and kissed him.

“All right, call me when you land.” He seemed hesitant, as if he wanted to say more.

The truth was—I had more to say, too.

I was in love with this man. I was actually ready to turn my life upside down to be with him, yet I was too afraid to tell him how I felt.

I was finally admitting it to myself.

“I will.” I waved as I hurried out the door.

I’d be back in a few days, and I was going to tell him everything that had been on my mind.

I was ready for all of it.

twenty-nine

​. . .​

Bass

Brody had to go into work for a few hours, so I’d picked up Clover and taken her over to Cutler and Gracie’s house. They wanted to discuss the menu for their upcoming engagement party.

Meatball greeted us at the door and started running in circles when I stepped inside, which was some big energy for a four-legged dude who was normally pretty lazy.

I shook the bag in my hand. Clover let go of my other hand and ran down the hallway.

“I’ve got treats for you, buddy,” I said as he followed me to the kitchen.