Mid Life Love: At Last Read Online Free PDF Page B

picking you up from work to get you home in time to eat dinner with me? You’ve been late all week.
    Stop Testing Me.
    Love,
    Your Future Husband
    I laughed. I was about to pick up my phone and call him, but Rita stepped inside my office again.
    “Your three o’ clock is here now,” she said. “I’m going to go ahead and bring her back before my lunch break.”
    “Thank you, Rita.” I stood up and smoothed my dress, ready to seal another deal, blocking everything else out.
    As soon as the client walked inside my office, my mind was focused on white columns, framed cabinets, and the stained wood necessary to create a brand new space. She and I talked for hours, negotiating the timeline, the best materials, and of course—the cost for everything.
    When I handed her the final contract, she nodded her head and grabbed a pen to sign it. “Everything looks really good, Miss Gracen. These dates work well for me.”
    “Great. I’m really looking forward to designing your new living room, Mrs. Klein.” I shook her hand and stood up.
    “Thank you.” She smiled. “I’m sure it’ll be just as fabulous as all your other work.”
    “I guarantee it.” I led her out of my office and back inside the storefront, pulling all the drapes closed once she walked outside.
    I’ll finally get to make it home on time today...
    I started straightening the pillow display that was over by the bay window, making sure all the tags were tightly tucked underneath. I was tempted to lay across them and relax, but my phone rang. Jonathan.
    “Hello?”
    “Hello, Claire .” His deep voice still had the power to make me melt. “What are you doing right now?”
    “I’m...I’m closing the store. You?”
    “I’m driving. Are you tired?”
    “Why?”
    “Answer the question.”
    “Yes.” I rolled my eyes. “I’m too tired to have sex with you right now.”
    He laughed. “Would you like me to reschedule our meeting with the wedding planner then?”
    “No!” I’d been looking forward to that meeting for weeks. “Not at all.”
    “Good. I’m on my way to pick you up. I’ll be there in five minutes.”
    “See you soon.” I hung up and started swiping a mini-duster over all the candle shelves.
    I was halfway done when I heard the bell over the door ring.
    “I’ll be right there.” I sighed and didn’t bother turning around. “Let me finish this last shelf and—”
    “ Claire ?”
    My blood boiled at the very sound of that voice.
    I shook my head, knowing that I couldn’t be standing in my store. I had to be at home and asleep in my bed. I had to be dreaming. I had to be having a nightmare .
    “Claire?” He asked again, and I pinched myself before slowly turning around.
    I wasn’t at home. I wasn’t dreaming.
    It was Ryan . 
    “What are you doing here?” I hissed.
    “I almost didn’t recognize you when I walked in. You look good, really good...” He looked me up and down. “Life must be treating you well.”
    “ What. Are. You. Doing. Here ?” I narrowed my eyes at him.
    “Look. I know I’m the last person you want to see right now, but since I’m in town, I thought I would—”
    “Invite me out to dinner? Catch up on life? I don’t have shit to say to you.”
    “I beg to differ. We need to talk.”
    “No thanks. Not interested.”
    “It’s important .” He sighed.
    “No. It’s not .”
    “Claire, it’s been five years now. We can at least be cordial to one another.”
    “ Cordial ? How cordial do you think I should be to the lying sack of shit who got my ex-best friend pregnant?” I shook my head. “Actually, don’t even answer that. I’ve already used up my ‘pointless conversation’ minutes for the day. Please get the fuck out of my store.”
    “You’re going to listen to me, Claire.” He took a step forward and looked directly into my eyes. “Whether you like it or not, you’re going to stand there and listen to every fucking word that I have to say.”
    I crossed my arms. “If I