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)
Well, that obviously wasn’t true since she’d talked about missing me only a minute ago, but I hadn’t called her on it, deciding instead to let her save face. “Good. That’s good, Steph. And I’m sorry if you think I wasted your time. That was never my intention.”
“Sure, it wasn’t. You strung me along knowing full well you were never going to marry me,” she’d shot back, and I’d flinched.
“No, that’s not true. I would never string anyone along. I was going to marry you. You know I was.”
“Right, and you changed your mind just because I didn’t want your precious cousin ruining the speeches at our wedding? I mean, seriously, Rhys, get a grip.”
I’d narrowed my gaze then, anger simmering, “Ruining?” I’d seethed. “Bloody hell, you’re so wrapped up in your own wants that you can’t even hear yourself, can you?”
“I can hear myself perfectly,” she’d snapped back.
“Well, hear this, we’re over. And no, I didn’t break up with you just because of Shay. That was one of many eye wateringly red flags.”
“Screw you, Rhys. As far as I’m concerned, this breakup is the best thing that ever happened to me. Now, maybe I can finally find someone who actually appreciates me. I hear Aidan Finnegan is single and opening a new restaurant in town soon. Maybe I’ll stop by.”
I’d released a tired breath. Had she thought she could make me jealous by going after my friend? “You do that. I’m leaving.”
“Yes, go, and don’t bother coming back pretending like you care. You never cared about me!” she’d shouted. I hadn’t countered the statement because I’d known deep down she was simply hurting and lashing out.
I dragged myself from the stressful memory just as I pulled into the driveway at Padraig and Jo’s house. Charli had been uncharacteristically silent on the drive, and I knew she was probably wondering about my reaction to Steph seeing us together. How to explain to her that my ex was spiteful and was now probably going to be a nightmare for her to deal with?
I was still trying to find the right words as we emerged from my car, and Charli asked, “Why do you always meet me out in the parking lot?”
I ran a hand over the stubble on my jaw as I turned to her, conflicted. It was only fair I tell Charli the truth, though. On instinct, I motioned for her to follow me to a quiet spot around the side of the house where we could talk. If we went inside, there would be too many people listening in. Charli leaned back against the wall while I shoved my hands in my pockets.
“It’s Steph,” I answered at last. “I didn’t want her to see us together.”
She visibly stiffened. “Why not?”
“Honestly? When we were together, Steph could be a little mean to female members of staff at the hotel if I spoke to them and she thought they liked me.”
“So, she was possessive?”
“Very. And she doesn’t have any cause to be now that we aren’t together anymore, but I know how important it is for you to fit in at work. You’re also going to encounter Steph a lot since you work with Maeve. I didn’t want her getting the wrong idea about you.”
“I see.”
“Do you?”
Charli’s gaze was trained on the ground. “She might be upset at the thought of you spending time with another woman so soon after the breakup. It’s understandable. I’d probably feel the same.”
“Right, but not just any woman,” I said. “You were my first, Charli. We have history.”
I watched as colour rose in her cheeks. Her throat bobbed, and she swallowed. “Does she know about us?”
“I don’t think so. Or at least, she doesn’t know you’re you.”
She seemed surprised by this. “Didn’t you tell her about your past relationships?”
“I did, but not in detail. She wouldn’t know enough to realise who you are.”
Charli nodded, falling silent then. What I really wanted to know was why she’d left the hotel with her eyes red and tearful like she’d been crying. Seeing her like that awoke something deep and primal in me. I wanted to destroy whoever made her so upset.
“What happened?” I asked.
“Pardon?”
“When you came out of the hotel earlier, you’d obviously been crying.”
“Oh, that,” she sighed, her hazel eyes settling somewhere around my chin. “It’s silly really. I got a letter back from the revenue department, and it had my maiden name on it. I just … it released something in me. It felt good to see it, you know? They were happy tears.”
“Ah,” I said, my tension easing as understanding dawned. “Well, I’m glad I don’t have to make anyone pay for upsetting you.” Charli blinked, her long lashes fluttering, and I had to force myself not to reach out and caress her cheek. Her skin looked so soft, and my fingers itched to touch her. “So, it feels good to have your old name back?”