Dane(103)

Just like that, everything fell into place, as if this was fate unfolding. "I'm putting the condo up for sale. I just purchased a house, and I'll be closing on it this week. I was waiting to find a place first before selling our unit, but now that I have, the realtor is getting it on the market. He doesn't think it'll take long at all to sell. I've opened an account in your name, and I plan on putting half of the money from the sale in there. Before you argue with me, you should know it's already a done deal. I already have it set up, ready for you when you're discharged. You don't need to have other things to worry about, especially now that you've got a plan and a goal to strive for."

"Oh, Dane … I've already told you I can't accept that. You've taken care of me for so long, and I can't let you keep doing it." A fat tear rolled down her cheek.

"No … you said you couldn't accept the condo. And I understand why. It's a reminder of us, and I'm just another reminder of the things you've had to go through. Think of this money as a gift. My way of saying I'm proud of you, and the start of becoming who you were always meant to be. You know I can't leave you with nothing. You deserve way more than that. Way more than I could ever provide."

She leaned forward and fell into me with her arms wrapped tightly around my neck. "Thank you so much, Dane. You have no idea how much I appreciate this … and you."

I squeezed her to me and then let her go. "Just promise me you'll keep working on yourself so you can travel around and help other women in your shoes."

She glanced at her hand, wrapped in mine, before meeting my gaze again. "This feels so final. I knew prior to seeing you this morning that this would be the end, but this just makes it real. The house we've lived in together will be gone, all the memories boxed up and moved out." Heartache filled her words and clenched my chest. 

"I know." I wiped away a tear from her cheek with the pad of my thumb. "But that only means we aren't holding each other back anymore. We're moving on to bigger and better things. Saying goodbye is never easy, but sometimes it's for the best. Just think of it that way. You're made for better things than the life you had with me." I was surprised by the emotion clogging my throat and stinging the backs of my eyes.

She held onto me and cried silently into my shirt.

I never thought walking away from her would be so hard.





23





My emotions were all over the place on my way to the office. I needed Eden, needed her to settle the storm raging inside. I no longer cared about the senseless rules she'd set upon us. Personal issues or not, I'd talk to her. Because she was the only one who could give me peace.

I didn't regret my decision to separate myself from Gabi. It was for the best-for me and for her. Nor did I regret choosing to end the constant financial support. I'd told her I'd make sure she was taken care of after treatment, but I couldn't continue supporting her the way I'd been doing. Once the condo sold, I'd deposit half the sale into the account I opened for her. After that, my financial obligation to Gabi would be done.

The entire drive from the clinic to my office was a blur. Parking and making my way inside barely registered. I was on a mission. I needed Eden, and I couldn't settle down until I found her. Gina greeted me, and I offered her an easy grin and subtle wave. But other than that, I couldn't offer her more, my tunnel vision refusing to fully acknowledge anyone who wasn't a fiery redhead with the ability to soothe my soul.

I didn't even have the wherewithal to knock. I just turned the handle to her office door and opened it. I'd only stepped one foot inside when everything came to a screeching halt. Eden sat in her chair, pushed enough away from the desk for me to see her legs crossed, the hem of her skirt clinging tight mid-thigh. The smile she had on her face when I opened the door immediately vanished, right about the time I noticed the guy leaning against the edge of her desk, facing away from the door. He peered over his shoulder, but other than that, made no move to get up … or leave her office.

I'd seen him around the building before, but I didn't know who he was or what department he worked in. I couldn't keep up with everyone I employed unless I worked directly with them. While his expression remained the same, Eden reacted as if she'd been caught with her hand in the cookie jar.

"He's back," the kid said. "Now we can go to lunch."

My stomach rolled. I didn't even want to think about her having lunch with anyone else, let alone witness it.

Eden stood from her seat. Her movements were unhurried and cautious, acting as if sudden movement would scare me off. Even her words were slow when she quietly asked me, "Are you okay?" Her eyes never left mine, worried and full of concern. Although, I ignored it and continued to glare at her. It wouldn't have surprised me to know I wore a scowl, considering my entire body coiled tight with pain and anger. "You seem upset … is everything all right?"