Page 297 - The Love Hypothesis

confusion and trying to pull Adam off Tom—with no success. Olive’s mind

went to Adam pushing Cherie’s truck, and she almost laughed in a moment
of hysteria. Almost.
“Adam,” she called. Her voice was barely audible in the chaos going on

around them, but it was what got through to him. He turned to look at her,
and there were entire worlds in his eyes. “Adam, don’t,” she whispered.

“He’s not worth it.”
Just like that, Adam took a step back and let Tom go. An elderly

gentleman—probably a Harvard dean—began laying into him, asking for
explanations, telling him how unacceptable his behavior was. Adam

ignored him, and everyone else. He headed straight for Olive, and—
He cradled her head with both hands, fingers sliding through her hair
and holding her tight as he lowered his forehead to hers. He was warm, and

smelled like himself, like safe and home. His thumbs swept through the
mess of tears on her cheeks. “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. I didn’t know, and I’m

sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry—”
“It’s not your fault,” she managed to mumble, but he didn’t seem to hear

her.
“I’m sorry. I’m—”

“Dr. Carlsen,” a male voice boomed loudly from behind them, and she
felt Adam’s body stiffen against hers. “I demand an explanation.”
Adam paid no heed to the man, and kept holding Olive.

“Dr. Carlsen,” he repeated, “this is unacceptable—”
“Adam,” Olive whispered. “You have to answer him.”

Adam exhaled. Then he pressed a long, lingering kiss to Olive’s
forehead before reluctantly disentangling himself. When she was finally

able to get a good look at him, he seemed more like his usual self.
Calm. Angry at the entire world. In charge.

“Send me that recording immediately,” he murmured at her. She nodded,
and he turned to the elderly man who’d just approached them. “We need to
talk. Privately. Your office?” The other man looked shocked and offended,

but he nodded stiffly. Behind him, Tom was making a fuss, and Adam
clenched his jaw. “Keep him away from me.” He turned to Olive before