The Escape Clause by Bernadette Marie Read Free Book Online Page A

her heart slammed in her chest.
    He pursed his lips, picked up his suit jacket, and draped it over his arm. “I just got a huge promotion. I passed over two senior investors. I’ve worked my ass off for the past three years for this. Next Wednesday I’ll still be here.”
    Without another word, he walked past her and out of the house.
     
    ~*~
     
    One day had become two—then three. Pete hadn’t called. He hadn’t come by the house, texted, or even emailed. He’d simply walked out of the bedroom that morning and never looked back.
    Avery looked down at her iPhone screen. The text message she had sent him an hour ago was marked read. She was reaching out to him and he wasn’t responding.
    How could he simply think that walking away would be better?
    She looked at the ring on her finger. It sparkled as brilliantly as it had the other night, but it hurt to look at it.
    Avery made her way around boxes, which filled the living room, to the kitchen for another cup of coffee. She hadn’t slept in three nights.
    Had he seen her drive by his house? Did he ignore the doorbell when she’d rung it?
    At least when she’d called his office yesterday they told her he was in a meeting, so she knew he was alive and well—and avoiding her.
    Her mother, thank goodness, had called her and apologized for her breakdown. She made it clear that though she wasn’t thrilled with Avery’s decision, she’d stand behind her. Then she proceeded to invite her to dinner on Sunday.
    Avery graciously accepted. It would be her last family dinner before her new journey—alone—began.
     
    She muddled through another day and by Friday afternoon she was all packed and waiting for the shipping company to come and take her things. They’d promised to be there by three and it was already four.
    It would be an easy move. Nothing but clothes and necessities. The furniture belonged to the house—the house where almost all the Kellers and Bensons had lived on their journey into adulthood.
    When the doorbell rang she moved to the door. Once they loaded up her boxes what else would she do with her weekend?
    Avery opened the door expecting some man in a bland uniform and a wheeler, instead Pete stood before her.
    His hair was in need of a trim and he certainly needed to shave. The week had left its tracks on him as well.
    “Pete…”
    “I know you didn’t expect me. I just…”
    She took his hand and pulled him inside before she lunged at him and wrapped her arms around his neck. It took a moment before he gathered his arms around her and held her.
    But his hold didn’t feel right. None of it felt right.
    Pete stepped back and shoved his hands into his pockets. “I wanted to apologize.”
    “I understand. I don’t blame you for walking out.”
    He ran his tongue over his teeth. “I didn’t mean about walking out.”
    “Oh.” What could he mean she wondered? After all, he’d just up and left. Then ignored her. She’d never gone nearly a week without talking to him.
    “Hundreds of times I’ve dropped you off and tucked you in. I’ve slept in that guest room and on that couch more times than I’d like to have counted. I should have done that when I brought you home after your birthday. I should have kissed your cheek and gone home.”
    Avery fisted her hands on her hips. “You’re sorry for what we did?”
    He nodded. “If I had just gone home our friendship would be in tact and I’d be only heartbroken because I wouldn’t see you everyday while you lived in France. I’d go to visit. Drink wine. Maybe meet some French girl.”
    That one stung, she thought as he took a breath to continue.
    “I wouldn’t have poured my freaking soul out to you and proposed had I just walked out that night.”
    The tears that were fighting to get to her eyes stung in the back of her throat. “You regret proposing?”
    “Didn’t do me any damn good did it?”
    “In case you forgot I said I’d marry you.”
    “And then turned right around and