Total pages in book: 97
Estimated words: 89674 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 448(@200wpm)___ 359(@250wpm)___ 299(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 89674 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 448(@200wpm)___ 359(@250wpm)___ 299(@300wpm)
I stared at her, and she stared right back.
“I’ve never seen you looking so disheveled. Is that eyeliner underneath your eyes?”
Dammit. I’d started adding a subtle line beneath my lashes to help make my penetrating stare pop. I used it as a diversionary tactic that seemed to throw people off when looking into my eyes.
“What time is it?” I asked, ignoring her question.
“About noon.”
“I need to leave. Beau’s expected to be home by early afternoon,” I said, rummaging through my pants pockets for my key fob. At the same time, I spotted my suit jacket and headed that way. Maybe my keys were in there.
“I have that he arrived home yesterday,” Penny said, confusion evident in her voice.
“Carter mentioned that Beau had rescheduled for today,” I said, remembering the small gift box I had bought well over a week ago, which was tucked away in my desk drawer.
“Weird. The system didn’t notify me of a change,” she said. “I’ll redirect the vitamin hydration company to your place. They’ll set up an IV, and within ten minutes, you’ll begin to feel better. They work like a charm.”
“That’s fine. I’ll be home in roughly twenty minutes. I’d like to take a shower first,” I said, dropping the suit coat back on the side chair. Penny would send it off to be dry cleaned.
“Sure, I’ll let them know.” As I confidently headed toward my office door, I resolved to use willpower to improve my mood. Somewhere in the next few hours I planned to confront Chandler and send him packing, Beau would be invited to go with me.
I was tired of all the game playing in my life. While I had played a part in fostering and manipulating Chandler, it was time for a change. Once I let my guard down, I realized how badly I missed Beau. I was determined to rebuild our relationship. Beau only needed a reminder of how much I cared. We also needed to have regular sex again. I’d been remiss in both departments.
I had a lot to sort through. How had I allowed myself to get so out of control last night? My guy deserved much better than me. We’d find our way, though. We always did.
21: The Chandler
Dash/Beau
Dash
The soothing warmth of the shower worked wonders for my hangover. I positioned myself strategically to allow the water to beat along my upper back and neck, even with the hydration specialist’s imminent arrival. Nevertheless, I stayed under the spray until the hot water turned cooler, my muscles loosening up. I’d brought one of Beau’s Powerades into the shower with me, taking a decent swig every so often.
My stomach roiled, but the contents stayed down. I called that a win.
Why I had chosen last night to completely overdo was beyond me. I’d been steadily drinking more and more since Beau was gone. I hated the idea of going to bed alone. But apparently last night had been my breaking point. Perhaps it was because he wasn’t arriving home for another day. Beau had stayed away longer to teach me a lesson, and boy, had it.
What I desperately wanted to convey to Beau was how often I lay awake at night, watching him sleep. His presence constantly reminded me of my worth and that reinforced my belief that I could achieve the goals I’d set for myself. I was dumbfounded by the reality that my guy didn’t seem to realize that he was the glue in every situation of my life. Beau kept my world together.
The problems we had were all on me.
I should’ve put my pride aside and called him, not have waited for him to call me to make amends.
The doorbell rang, sending my phone chirping like crazy. I quickly left the shower and reached for a dry towel I had placed by my phone. With a quick swipe of my thumb, I responded to the ring. “Hello. Give me a minute. I’ll buzz you in. You can set up in the room to the left of the door.”
“Yes, sir,” he replied, which always made me feel wiser than my actual age. I pushed the option to open the door and continued rubbing the towel over my body. I took my hairbrush, quickly raking my damp hair off my face. I usually preferred to dry it properly, but I had a lot to do before Beau arrived home. My appearance was the last thing on my mind.
I grabbed my robe hanging by the bathroom door and put it on as I went through the bedroom. I loved this gorgeous home. I loved that my almost mother-in-law married a generous, loving man who’d offer this place to Beau and me for such an extraordinarily low price.
As I trotted down the staircase, the technician was already set up. He was gloved up with an IV bag ready to go. “Mr. Richmond?” the guy asked.