Page 81 of The Other Side

A small smile curves along my face, my hand stretching to his. “It was a pleasure doing business with you.”

I’d rather put my balls through a meat grinder than work with you ever again.

“Likewise,” Jesse says, cradling his palm in mine.

“I know you don’t want to hear from me, but if you have any other questions, never hesitate to call,” I offer, turning to grab my leather binder from the kitchen island. “You have my office number.”

“Sure,” Jesse says. I pluck the flash drive from my book to hand it to him. When he takes it, his head turns to Callie. “Guess we have more than just your birthday to celebrate on Tuesday night.”

Her throat bobs awkwardly. “Yeah,” she sighs.

Jesse turns to me. “Callie’s birthday is Tuesday.”

No shit.

“Oh,” I say, greeting Callie’s eyes. “What are you doing? Anything special?”

My eyes bounce up and down her gorgeous face. They practically bore into her soul. She knows I’m fishing for information, and she also knows I’ve trapped her. There’s no way she can lie in front of Jesse. And there’s no way she can refuse to answer me.

Sometimes, I’m just that good.

“Rastogi’s. It’s a five-star restaurant about twenty minutes from here in Southampton,” Jesse responds, his knuckles brushing her bare arm. “I’m heading to Manhattan that night to visit with a big potential client, but I promised I’d celebrate with Callie and friends before I leave.” He rotates his head, dipping his chin with a smirk.

Callie’s tiny grin wavers, and then she’s returning her attention to me.

“Enjoy your birthday, Callie,” I offer.

She barely nods, her stare lingering over my face. “Thank you.”

When the front door finally shuts behind me, I’m ducking into my truck to drive home. All the while thinking about my new plans for Tuesday night.

Chapter 25

Callie Rae

After dinner, I’m rinsing our plates under the lukewarm water. My brain twists wildly, images of Brant fusing with the speech I’ve rehearsed over the past few days.

It’s a shame Brant and I didn’t get to talk much while he was here earlier. And when he disappeared through the front door, he took my heart with him.

Just like he always does.

Damn you, Dove.

My eyes stroll along the thick grass behind the window. My hand swipes the sponge over the porcelain, and the hollow hole in my chest cuts off all feelings.

I wonder what the hell it is I’m doing.

In the days I’ve spent with Brant, he’s robbed all my emotions. He’s nestled them in his arms for good. The only way to get them back is to chase after him.

As long as I don’t have Brant, my heart will always be a runaway. Never steady. Never settled. It’ll always want more.

When I lean forward, water from the edge of the granite leaks into my t-shirt. My head slopes down as I back my waist off, and I’m muttering a curse.

I finally turn the faucet off, snatching the dishtowel that’s draped over my shoulder. After I dab the soaked section of my top, I toss the cloth on the counter.

I bend to wedge the rinsed plates in the open dishwasher beside me. I drop a pod in to start the machine, and Jesse’s shoes tap along the wood floor.

Swallowing thickly, I straighten and click the appliance door shut. “Jesse, can we talk?” I ask.