The Billionaire's Paradise (Sexy Billionaires)(63)

A long sigh escaped her. Logic had never failed her. It was her comfort blanket, her superpower she used to handle all her puzzles. She’d avoided thinking about Lea but maybe now was the time to start. If he’d slept with Lea it would mean what they’d had was never important. And if that were true, he wouldn’t be here now.

I must have meant something.

And if she had, he would have thought about the timing. A man didn’t plan a sexual encounter fifteen minutes before his girlfriend was due to show up. At least, a smart man didn’t, and for all his faults, Hayden was no fool.

Maybe he’s telling the truth.

The thought burned in her chest. Had he stayed faithful? Had she seen a skewed version of the truth?

But as quickly as the spark of joy ignited, it died. Did it change anything? They weren’t on their island anymore, and their differences were starker than ever.

She drew in a shaky breath, preparing herself for what was to come. Maybe he didn’t love her, but at least they could part on more amicable terms.

“You didn’t sleep with her?” she couldn’t help but ask, her voice a whisper.

He shook his head slowly. “No. You are the only one I can think about.”

Some of her hurt receded. It might not be the ending she’d wanted for them, but at least he hadn’t chosen the lovely receptionist over her. A few pieces of her broken heart knit back together at the thought. She hadn’t chosen wrong twice. Hayden really was the better man.

He just wasn’t her man.

“I believe you,” she said, watching the tension clear from his face. “You’ve never lied to me. You fought to win my trust. If you say you didn’t touch her…” She drew in a shallow breath. “Then I believe you.”

The words lightened something inside her. The dark, painful knot in her chest started to unwind as he smiled down at her.

“That’s my girl.”

The compliment was bittersweet. She’d once been his girl. But now they were back in reality, far away from their island bubble.

“I still think it’s a bad idea if I work for you again,” she said. “I’m glad we can part under better terms, but that doesn’t change the fact that I’m going to need some time to lick my wounds.”

His hand cupped her cheek, one thumb brushing against her skin. She leaned into the touch in spite of herself. “You’re going to leave me.”

A sad smile twisted her lips before she said the three little words she’d wanted to say on the island. Three little words that would stop his protests and send him running from her apartment.

Staring up, she tried to memorize her last sight of him. After this, they would part ways. Their paths wouldn’t cross again, she’d make sure of it.

“I love you,” she said, seeing his eyes widen at the confession. “It hurts not to have that feeling returned.” Unable to stop herself, she mirrored his caress, cupping his face in one hand. “Someday you’ll find the woman who completes you,” she told him. “When you do, please don’t push her away.”

He swallowed twice before saying, “I promise.”

Pain slashed through her chest as she let her hand drop to her side. “Then this is good-bye.”

A slow smile curved his lips. “I don’t think so.”

“Hayden—”

He silenced her with a kiss. Avery groaned, knowing she should push him away but wanting a last taste. Every time he touched her, the logic, the puzzles, the riddles in her brain quieted until all she could think about was him. Her arms rose to hold him closer, wanting everything he had to offer.

This is it. Everything is ending. What am I doing?

But she wanted one more moment. One more memory.

And it seemed that Hayden was more than willing to give her.

Just take it. Turn a painful good-bye into a sweet one. Make a last memory to replace Lea.

Then maybe someday it would help her frozen heart to try again. It wasn’t his fault he couldn’t love her, any more than it was hers that she’d fallen for him. They’d started with sex. It seemed only fitting they end with it, too.

Decision made, she gripped his lapels and reversed their positions, pushing him back against the wall as she pressed against his chest. She couldn’t keep him. Even if he hadn’t cheated, that was only one problem down. And after her confession, he wouldn’t be sticking around for long.

Tomorrow she’d start moving forward with a life that didn’t include him in it. She’d wanted to find inside her the fearless woman that took what she wanted, and this was her chance.

Her fingers delved into his hair, messing up his slick coiffure. He made no protest as he grasped her hips and pulled her against his erection. There was no doubting he wanted her. But their physical relationship had never been the issue.