The Years Between Signing and Seeing novel Chapter 19

Just as she reached the curb, a black Bentley glided to a stop right beside her.

The window rolled down, and Jamie's voice drifted from the dim interior. “I don’t recall you being so punctual in the past.”

As he spoke, he cast a displeased look over her. Ten minutes, and she was already leaving? She wouldn't wait for him for even one more minute? In all of Mornhaven City, people would kill for a meeting with him, and here she was, acting high and mighty.

“I've always been punctual…” Suzie began, her tone less than friendly. She wanted to say more, to snap back at him, but she swallowed the words. It was pointless. A waste of time.

After a few seconds of silence, she asked again, “What did you want to see me about?”

Jamie didn’t answer. His gaze shifted from Suzie to the small, almost shabby-looking café, a flicker of disdain in his eyes. He quickly looked away and said coolly, “Get in. I’ve booked a table.”

Suzie made no move to get in the car.

Aaron, from the driver's seat, got out and walked over, respectfully opening the rear door for her. “Ms. Sterling, please. Mr. Baylor has something important to discuss with you, something you’ll care about.”

Suzie guessed it might be about Richard. But instead of getting into the back, she gave Aaron a faint smile, opened the front passenger door herself, and slid in.

Aaron stood frozen for a few seconds before closing the rear door and circling back to the driver's seat. He didn't need to look to imagine the foul expression on Jamie's face in the back. The thought made him start the car with an almost comical gentleness, afraid that the slightest jolt might provoke Jamie's wrath.

Throughout the entire ceremony, Jamie had been as composed as if he were merely attending a banquet. When the officiant asked for his vows, he had uttered just two words: “I do.” Beyond that, Suzie felt none of the joy or happiness a bride should feel. Richard had tried to comfort her then, saying things would get better once they spent more time together.

But did they? Did things get better? Did he ever start to love her?

The thought sent a sharp, painful pang through Suzie's heart. She quickly averted her gaze and asked coldly, “What is it you wanted to talk about?”

Jamie, who had appeared beside her, replied softly, “Let's go inside.”

With that, he strode past the staff and through the magnificent gates.