Total pages in book: 176
Estimated words: 164533 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 823(@200wpm)___ 658(@250wpm)___ 548(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 164533 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 823(@200wpm)___ 658(@250wpm)___ 548(@300wpm)
And it did seem like Rhys had been the one to call things off since Stephanie was depressed and missing him. Going behind his back to ask Nuala if she’d consider speaking to Stephanie felt a little wrong, not to mention unfair to Rhys, considering I didn’t know what transpired between them. I decided I should mention it to him and see how he felt. Nuala, Tristan, and Derek were his friends first and foremost, after all.
“So,” I said, reaching forward to turn down the volume on the radio, which had been tuned to a classic rock station. Rhys cast me a quick, speculative glance before focusing back on the road. “Maeve found out Nuala and I are cousins.”
A slight frown pulled at his lips. “Is that a problem? You sound worried.”
“Oh, it isn’t a problem for me. It’s just—you know how she and your ex-fiancée are close?”
“I’m aware of that, yes.”
“She mentioned how Stephanie is depressed about losing Nuala, Derek, and Tristan as friends since you guys broke up. Maeve asked if I’d speak to Nuala about possibly reaching out to Stephanie, but I wanted to run it by you first.”
When he didn’t immediately respond, I blew out a sigh. “I’m sorry. I really don’t want to be in this position, but she just laid it on me today in the office, and I don’t know her very well yet, so I didn’t feel comfortable saying no. However, if you’d prefer I keep out of it, I will. I hate meddlers, and I certainly don’t want to become one.”
Rhys’ frown intensified. “Why would you feel uncomfortable saying no?”
Huh? That was an odd part to focus on. “Well, I guess we’re new colleagues, and I don’t want her to dislike me.” I gave a self-conscious laugh. “I’m a bit of a people pleaser.”
“You shouldn’t say yes to anything that makes you uncomfortable, Charli, even if people might not like you for it. You need to set firm boundaries.”
“That’s easy for you to say. You haven’t just started a brand new job, one you got because your uncle owns the hotel. I’d rather not make my coworkers think I’m a bitch who only got the gig through nepotism.” So, I was a little defensive, but he’d touched a nerve. My inability to stand up for myself and set boundaries was half the reason I’d spent the last decade and a half in the marriage from hell.
Rhys exhaled, his features softening. “I’ve upset you. I’m sorry. I just …” He trailed off a moment, and I practically held my breath waiting for him to finish. “You used to be so confident.”
“I was?”
Rhys nodded. “When we were teenagers, you didn’t let people get away with any kind of bullshit. I remember this one time I was ogling your chest like a typical nineteen-year-old horn dog, and you immediately called me out for it. I was so impressed by that.” He chuckled fondly.
The memory hit me like a sledgehammer. The carefree, teasing, easy-going girl I’d been. I’d carried the weight of my father’s passing, but that was nothing compared to the weight I carried presently.
“I just enjoyed embarrassing you,” I said, my voice low. “But I know what you’re trying to say, Rhys. I’m aware I’ve changed. Life has been … it’s had its challenges. But I’m working on myself. Baby steps.”
I stared straight ahead, hands sweaty in my lap, aware of his attention on my profile. A prolonged silence fell before Rhys finally said, “Just don’t let the likes of Maeve push you around. As far as I can recall, you’re the head accountant. She answers to you. Don’t be afraid to remind her of that.”
I let out a quiet, self-deprecating laugh. “I’ll try, no promises.” I paused before continuing, “So, about the whole speaking to Nuala thing?”
Something flickered in Rhys’ jaw. “You can talk to her. I don’t claim ownership over my friends. If they want to keep in touch with Steph, they’re free to do so.”
There was a faint tension in his shoulders that told me he was trying to be more easy going than he felt, and though it was none of my business, a part of me yearned for him to open up and talk about what had really happened. Unfortunately, I had a feeling Rhys wanted to discuss his broken engagement about as much as I wanted to talk about my divorce and ex-husband.
Not at all.
Before I knew it, we’d arrived at the house. Rhys parked next to Aunt Jo’s car then came around to open my door. As I emerged, he held out his hand for me to take, and I wasn’t sure why, but I hesitated, staring at his large, slightly calloused fingers, the hint of dark hair at his wrist. My eyes flicked to his, and Rhys stared at me with such open patience and kindness that it knocked a little of the air from my lungs. He was offering me his hand, but he wasn’t forcing it on me. It was my choice whether to take it, and somehow, that made all the difference.