Page 17 of Dream Chaser

“This isn’t your home anymore.” She raised her chin defiantly. “You’re a married woman, and your home is with your husband. That’s where you’ll go.”

This time, tears leaked from my eyes. “You can’t do this. You can’t force me.”

“I’m not forcing you. I’m stopping you from making the biggest mistake of your life, like every loving parent would. You’ll thank me later for saving your marriage and your reputation.”

My breath caught in my throat, and more tears fell. It was no surprise that Donna always took Preston’s side. Never in my life had I imagined my own mother would turn her back on me like this.

“Fine,” I said, picking up my duffle. “Bye, Mom.”

She let out a long exhale. “Thank God. Should I call Donna and let her know you’re coming to apologize?”

I gripped the doorknob. “Call Donna and tell her I asked her son for a divorce.”

My mother jerked back as if I’d slapped her.

Turning, I strolled to my vehicle, rubbing my palms over my face. The front door slammed behind me.

It’d be the first time I slept in my car.

I prayed it would also be the last.

CHAPTER FIVE

Alejandro

August

It was barely eight a.m. on Friday, and I was already at the office after my morning run. I was supposed to give Nova in-person instructions yesterday but got swamped with out-of-office commitments. Nobody called me, which meant things went well—as well as they could’ve gone when the person in charge of marketing had zero experience and got an email instead of a proper training session.

I told myself I’d make it up to her today.

Just as I powered my laptop, Eleanor appeared in the doorway. “You took the advice to rise and shine to heart.”

“Only the rising part.” I curbed a smile. “What are you doing here so early?”

She groaned. “Couldn’t sleep. Might as well do some work. Any luck with the sponsors yesterday?”

“The Aeterno guys want Asher on their team. Those watches advertise worldwide, so that’s a win.”

“One of many.” She smoothed her blond hair. “God, it’s so hot today. The five-minute walk got me sweating.”

August in Emerport was sweltering. The ocean was calling my name. If I managed to clear my schedule in the afternoon, I’d go to the beach. I hadn’t done that in a while.

“There’s water in the fridge,” I said. “Grab some. Fruit too.”

As she brushed past me, Eleanor patted my shoulder. “Looking out for your people as always, Mr. Guerrero.”

“Speaking of people.” I leaned back in my chair. “What about Nova Lockhart?”

Eleanor paused next to her desk, arching a brow. “You mean Nova Marshall? The new marketing girl?”

Marshall? I didn’t think lack of sleep had affected me so much that I’d mix up last names. I opened the folder with her résumé. “Look. Lockhart.”

“Hm.” Eleanor rubbed her chin, glancing at my laptop screen. “She’s Marshall on the forms she filled in.”

There was only one logical explanation for that, and I didn’t remember a wedding ring. But why else would she give two names?

“Is she married?” I asked.