Chapter 16
Chapter Sixteen
The second time they made love, it was slower, more erotic. He’d kept her on the edge for so long she’d threatened to get herself off. But he’d just batted away her hand and took his sweet time.
As he’d rocked into her at a torturously delicious pace, he’d kissed the curve of her neck. “I missed this part the most.” He’d feathered his fingers down to her collarbone and licked the dip. “Or maybe it’s this one.” Then, he’d cupped her breasts. “Mm. No. Definitely these.”
And when she’d bucked her hips to get him to focus on the action below the waist, he’d said, “You’re not rushing me. This mouth has already mapped every square inch of your body, and now, it’s going to revisit all its favorite places, so just sit back and enjoy the ride.”
When he’d finally focused his attention between her legs, he’d picked up the pace and delivered an orgasm so cataclysmic, she’d nearly blacked out.
Now, she snuggled up against him, and she’d never been more perfectly relaxed and satisfied.
When he brushed his fingers down her arm, one of his tattoos caught her attention. She grabbed his wrist. “Wait, what is this?” It was gold and black, designed to look like it was sparkling. “I’ve never seen one like it.”
“That’s a trinity knot. It’s three separate entities that are interconnected.”
“And what are the entities?”
“Our past.” He traced the path with a finger. “Our present. And our future.”
She gazed up at him, taking in the five o’clock shadow, his thick hair tangled from her hands, and affection rushed her so hard her heart fluttered out of control. “What inspired it? Just life in general?”
“I was thinking about you.” He sat up, bunching the pillows behind him. “All of them are for you.” On his chest, he pointed to a compass. “‘You’re my best friend, my lover, my peace, my motivation, my inspiration, my North Star, and the love of my life.’”
“Your wedding vows.” She couldn’t believe it. “You remember what you said?”
“I remember everything.” He rolled to show her the ink on his back. “That’s Wild Bill and Calamity Jane.”
A wild west man and woman rode horses side by side through mountainous terrain.
Her fingers traced the outline on his warm skin. “You did not.”
He grinned. “I did.”
“Your entire body is dedicated to us.” She was stunned at how wrong she’d gotten it. Everything she’d made up these past thirty years came from her fear, hurt, and anger. Not reality.
“What else would I ink on myself permanently but you? You’re the love of my life.”
“Well, that’s just sad.” And yet, she was grinning so wide, she probably looked weird.
“It was pretty fucking sad. Why do you think I want you back so badly? I can’t look like a fool pining for a woman who doesn’t want me. I have a reputation to uphold.” He sniffed. “Sexiest man a-fuckin’-live.”
She burst out laughing. “So glad I could be of service.”
“We should get some sleep.” He reared over her, toppling her onto her back and kissing her neck. “I’ll be waking you up for more servicing all night long.”
A bright light woke him up, and his eyes blinked open. It took a moment to place himself in the lighthouse, but the woman draped over him gave him a deep sense of well-being.
Oh, man, it was good. So fucking good.
He loved her. Loved her with every fiber of his being.
Over the years, people had suggested he’d idealized his first love, used it as a shield to protect himself from getting hurt again. But he’d never cared what they thought. He wouldn’t say this to anyone, but the ink on his body was more than a love letter to Elzy.
It was an expression of his soul.
His phone flashed again. Maybe something was wrong with the girls? Careful not to wake Elz, he slid his legs off the bed and headed into the bathroom.
But no, nothing was wrong. Cole just sent a few pictures of the girls. They were pretty damn cute all snuggled up together on the couch in matching Christmas pajamas, eyes riveted on what he assumed was the TV screen. Behind them, stockings lined the mantel.
He missed them. Wished he could be there . There was nothing like watching kids whisper with such innocence and sincerity into Santa’s ear. Nothing like their intense concentration as they decorated sugar cookies, wanting to get the sprinkles in just the right pattern. He?—
Wait a minute. Something was off with the stockings. He counted them. One, two, three, four, five, six…
Seven?
Did I get that right? There’s a seventh stocking? He tried to enlarge the photo, but the image was too grainy to read the name. Awareness shook him wide awake.
Was that why they didn’t want him around? Because someone else was staying with them for Christmas? Could be her mom. Sure, that made sense.
There was only one way to find out. He hit the Call button.
But instead of his son, Hailey answered. “Hey, movie star.”
He chuckled. “How’s it going? How’re the girls?”
“They’re better. But you know, it’s just the flu. It’s not that big of a deal.”
He supposed he didn’t need more confirmation than that. If she wasn’t put out by the girls being sick, then she simply hadn’t wanted one more person in the house.
Okay, that’s fair. Seven people’s a lot.
You had to make up the guest room, set out an extra plate. One more mouth to feed, one more person to clean up after.
But it had all worked out because the push had driven him to Iceland. Right into the arms of Elzy.
And there could be no better outcome. “Okay, well, I just wanted to check in. Is Cole around?”
“He ran out to the store. The girls want whipped cream in their cocoa.”
“As they should.”
But she didn’t laugh. “They kept waiting for you to bring it. You promised them a sleigh ride with hot chocolate, but…”
But what? Why wasn’t she finishing the sentence? “We’ll definitely do that when I get home. You just let me know when it’s okay to come visit.”
“Trevor, can I say something to you?”
“Of course.”
“You really hurt him. I just need you to know that.”
“Hurt who?” What was she talking about? “My son ?”
“I mean, you retired to spend time with him, and then, you blow him off for Christmas? You have to remember, he didn’t get the big family holiday with siblings, aunts, uncles, grandparents… It means a lot to him.”
“Hang on. He told me the girls were sick.”
“They are, but kids are sick all the time. It’s not that big a deal. It’s not like we’re quarantined over here.”
He supposed it was time to have that conversation. “Hailey, I didn’t change my flight on a whim. I wanted to be with you guys, but Cole texted?—”
“I know what he wrote because he showed me. We analyzed it together because he couldn’t figure out why you’d use it as an excuse to take off like that. You didn’t even ask if we needed anything—which we don’t. We’re fine. It was just the abruptness of it, you know? He tells you the kids are sick, and boom, you’re off to Iceland with your girlfriend.”
Ah, hell. “That couldn’t be further from the truth, but I can see how you thought that. Hailey, I know I’ve been underfoot?—”
“Underfoot? What does that mean?”
Just say it. Bring it out in the open . “A couple of months ago, I was reading books to the kids before bed, and when I came out of Evvie’s room, I heard you and Cole arguing. You said you just couldn’t take one more person in your house. And I understand. You’ve got four kids. It’s a lot. But I thought I was helping, and?—”
“You are. Trevor, that is not—oh, my God—I can’t believe you heard that.”
“It’s okay. Honestly, I get it.”
“No, you don’t. You know what my childhood was like. You know my mom’s a ‘free spirit.’ Well, around September, she got a job making costumes for a singer here in town, and she wanted to live with us for a few months. I mean, I love her, but when she comes, she doesn’t clean up after herself. She leaves her dirty clothes on the floor, and she doesn’t put her dishes in the dishwasher. She’s?—”
“A fifth child.” He couldn’t believe he’d gotten it so wrong. “I’m sorry. I thought you meant me.” At least now, thanks to Elzy, he could see why. It was a knee-jerk reaction to being an imposition in his childhood home.
“Not at all. It’s not like we view you as a visitor or a guest. You’re part of us. The kids love you, Trevor. We love you.”
“Yeah, I guess I should’ve asked you about it.”
“I wish you had. Is it too late? Can you come home for Christmas?”
She couldn’t know what that simple concept meant to him. Home for Christmas . Something he’d longed for. Sure, his dad always cut down a tree, but they’d never done more than hang a few ornaments. No one got around to stringing the lights. They had eggs and bacon for breakfast, and then, his parents went back to work.
“Those animals can’t feed themselves . ”
But he had a whole new life now, and he could make it whatever he wanted it to be. “I’m heading home in the morning. I’ll be there.”
“Oh, thank God.”
“Hey, Hailey. Can I ask you something?”
“Of course.”
“In the picture Cole sent me… Do I see seven stockings?”
She clicked her tongue to the roof of her mouth. “Yes. Because there are seven of us. And if you’re not here to open your presents, we’re going to have four very disappointed little girls.”
It seemed impossible for one man to have this many blessings. It filled him to the brim. “Can I ask you a favor?”
“You bet. What’s up?”
“Can you make an eighth one?”
“You mean for Darby?”
“No. I mean for Jessica Elsworth. She’s going to be part of the family too.”
He’d make sure of it.
Even though her phone told her it was morning, it was disorienting because the sky was as dark as night. The only light in the room came from the fairy windows.
And wrapped in Trevor’s arms, Jessica knew there was no place she’d rather be.
Stretching, she smiled at her sore muscles. “You gave me quite the workout.”
He yawned big and loud. “Right? You fucked me into a coma. I still can’t feel my legs.”
“Aw. You’re such a romantic.” She said it with a laugh and pretended to pull away.
But he tightened his hold and bit her shoulder. “I mean, if you think flowers say more than my cock and mouth and hands?—”
“I don’t.” Her fingers gripped his arm. “Nothing will ever be more romantic than the way you want me.”
He went quiet, the only movement his thumb stroking her inner wrist. “From the moment I saw you out that truck window, I’ve never seen or wanted anyone else. Do you understand what I’m saying? There is no one else for me.”
“I do.” He’d been so open and transparent with her. So vulnerable. While she’d withheld everything. And while it was scary to let herself go, he deserved it. “It’s the same for me.”
“Yeah?”
She kissed him on the mouth. “Yes, yes, yes.” Then, she reached for her phone. “Now, I have a wedding to get to. You think the airport’s open?”
“I’m less worried about the airport than the roads. We’re in the middle of nowhere.”
“True.” Anxiety got a hold of her. “I can’t miss the wedding. I just can’t.”
“You won’t. That’s a guarantee.”
She opened a text from her sister.
Amber: Bri doesn’t want to risk you not being at her wedding. She’d rather reschedule.
“What? No, she can’t do that.”
“What’s going on?” He pulled his arm away, freeing her.
She wanted it back. She wanted his strength and his confidence and his love. “My niece is talking about rescheduling.”
“No.” Sitting up, he swung his legs off the bed. “Tell them you’ll be there.”
“It’s not like I can make any promises. We have no control over transportation.”
He gave her a steady look but didn’t say a word as he pulled out his phone and stood at the window.
Okay, she’d trust him to work that golden boy magic.
Jessica: Tell her that’s not necessary. The storm’s over. I’ll be there in time.
She knew her sister would be sleeping, but she sent one more text.
Jessica: Do not cancel the wedding!
But even as she wrote it, she was riddled with doubt. It didn’t seem possible.
“Yeah, then let’s do it that way,” Trevor said in a deep, sleep-roughened voice. “How long will it take?” He crossed an arm over his chest. “Perfect. Thank you. We’ll be ready.” He turned to her. “We’re good.”
“What does that mean? It’s about a two-hour drive to the airport. The flight’s seven and a half hours?—”
“Sweetheart.” He cupped her elbows. “We’ll make it.”
“How?”
“There’s a helicopter on its way to us right now. It’ll take us to the airstrip, and we’ll be shuttled right to the jet. You’ll make it back in time. No problem.”
“Are you serious?”
“Absolutely.”
She set her phone down and wound her arms around his neck. “You got me a helicopter?”
His grin grew wider.
“You’re such a show-off.” But you know what? She appreciated his help so much.
“Can you think of another way to get us home in time for the wedding?”
“No, sir. I cannot.”
“Good.” He smacked her bottom. “I’m going to get in the shower.” He pulled out a new pair of boxers and headed into the bathroom. When he glanced over his shoulder to find her staring at his tight, round ass, he said, “You’ve got a little”—he flicked a finger at the corner of his mouth—“drool right there.”
She smiled, drunk with love. But instead of joining him right away, she stood there for a moment, letting it sink in.
Two pillows smushed from use.
Sheets pulled out from their tuck under the mattress.
Two pairs of pants on the floor.
A partner to problem-solve with.
A plus one.
Holy shit.
We’re back .
She and Trevor were together again. It’s real . And it struck her. That deep-rooted sense of loneliness that lived inside her—even when she was surrounded by the people she loved—was gone. She was whole again.
Was she scared? Sure. Of course . But time would fully heal her. Every minute of every day, they would prove themselves to each other.
And just knowing that was such a huge relief.
Okay, let’s get going . She needed to make sure the wedding wasn’t postponed, so she grabbed her phone and left a voice message for her sister.
It was then she noticed a message from someone she didn’t recognize.
Hey, this is Uncle Charlie. Jackson’s dad’s brother. I sat across from you at the rehearsal dinner. I tried to talk to you, but you were busy.
She remembered the groom’s elderly uncle, but she didn’t recall him trying to get her attention. She’d been in hostess mode, meeting Jackson’s extended family and taking care of her own.
Forgive an old coot for poking his nose where it doesn’t belong, but?—
Okay, he was cute. She settled in to read the rest of his message.
I heard some talk during the rehearsal. Some jokes were made about two women walking the bride down the aisle. I just thought you should know in case you wanted to back out.
Back out? What does he mean? A rustle of anxiety had her skimming the rest of his text to get to this point.
We all want the same thing, right? We want everyone’s focus on the bride and groom—and not distracted by silly thoughts from the one or two knuckleheads in the room.
A sickening churn in her stomach had her moving to the window. She wouldn’t do anything to ruin her niece’s wedding. Of course, she didn’t want anyone distracted. But what would they be thinking? What was wrong with her walking Bri down the aisle?
It’s up to you, of course. But I wanted to bring it up in case you didn’t want to draw negative attention.
What? Her first impulse was to reach out to her sister, but the wedding was that night, and she didn’t want to stir up drama.
Jessica: Hi, Charlie. I’m sorry we didn’t get a chance to talk, but I’ll be sure to spend time with you at the wedding. I hope you know it wasn’t my idea to walk with her. It was Bri’s, and I’m honored to fulfill her wishes.
Oh, hey. Thank you for getting back to me. Like I said, I’m an old man sticking his nose in where it doesn’t belong. I just know if it were me, I’d want to know if what I thought was an honor, someone else considered a pity gesture.
A chill crept into her heart. Pity gesture? The very idea shoved her from that warm, special place of being embraced by family out into the freezing cold.
Is it true?
When Bri asked, she’d been so touched, so honored . In the beginning, she’d been every bit as much of a mother to Bri as Amber had been because her sister was in school and working at the store.
Jess had given the job to her sister, so she’d have work experience to put on her résumé. She’d never minded putting her own life on hold. Someone had to take care of Bri. Her niece was an innocent baby. She needed to be loved and cared for.
Just the way my mom loved and cared for me.
Nothing was more important than that. Not that she remembered, but everyone in town loved to tell stories of how her mom worked with her babies in a sling wrapped around her chest. She took her children everywhere and never used a stroller.
Jess had wanted the same thing for Bri. So, when her niece asked her to walk her down the aisle—her mom on one side, her aunt on the other—Jessica had felt validated. Acknowledged. Included .
But now…she questioned everything.
Don’t get me wrong.
I’m not embarrassed to be single and childless.
She just didn’t want anyone to look at her with pity . She glanced outside, watching plates of ice undulate on the surface of the ocean. She couldn’t believe how hurt she was. She didn’t think it was true—she was very close to her niece. Well, all her sisters’ kids.
She wished she could ask someone, but she couldn’t bring it up. Not on Bri’s wedding day. Maybe she should talk to Amber, let her know her feelings wouldn’t be hurt in the slightest if she wanted to walk Bri down the aisle by herself.
No, you can’t do that . That would cause a scene. And what would her sister say? Oh, thank God. I wondered why you’d said yes. I’m the mom here.
No, Amber would never say anything like that.
Jess didn’t know what to think.
But you know what? Even if I don’t walk her down the aisle, I’m going to be with Trevor. Happiness flooded her.
From now on, she’d have the love of her life at her side. There was tremendous peace in that.
And suddenly, she had a whole different kind of hunger. Already naked, she hurried into the bathroom. Curls of steam floated out of the shower stall and covered the mirror. The moment she stepped inside, her breath caught in her throat.
Water streamed down his body, his big hands moving swiftly to spread the soap over his ripped, inked torso, between his muscular legs, along his semi-hard shaft. If she didn’t get her hands all over him…
His eyelids popped open, almost as if he heard her dirty thoughts. He smirked and grabbed his cock. “You want some of this?”
“Not anymore, I don’t.”
He laughed, reaching for her hand and tugging her under the stream of water. With her back to his slippery chest, he shared the scented lather with her, his hands mimicking on her body what he’d just done to himself.
Leaning back against him, she submitted to his touch. The hot water saturating her hair and coursing down her body, the sensual glide of his hands over her breasts, down her belly, and between her legs, melted her worries and ignited her desire. She reached up, clasping her fingers around the back of his neck.
He lowered his chin onto her shoulder. “You’re the most beautiful woman in the world.”
“I am when you touch me.” Overcome with affection for this man, she turned in his arms and kissed him. My God, the gentle stroke of his tongue, the clutch of his hands on her ass, squeezing and hauling her up against him…it was everything she needed.
The relief was so profound, her knees buckled.
To have him back, to feel this wholeness, this completeness…it was just overwhelming.
Gratitude mixed with lust, and she kissed a path down the strong column of his neck, from one nipple to the other, and down his stomach. Kneeling, she wrapped both hands around his cock. Pleasure softened his features, and heat burned in his eyes.
When she took him into her mouth, he moaned, and she sucked him deeply, wanting to drive him out of his mind.
He shifted his legs farther apart and cupped the back of her head, guiding her to the rhythm he needed. “Look at you. Fuck yeah.”
God, that raspy, sex-drenched voice turned her wild with need.
“Nothin’ prettier than that pink mouth stretched wide over my cock. Can you take more? Come on, honey. Take all of me.”
He’d never talked to her like that when they were twenty.
And she loved it. The pulse between her legs grew unbearable, and she had to touch herself.
“Yeah, I don’t think so.” Hauling her up, he brought her to her full height and spun her around. “This pussy’s mine. I’m the one who gets you off. You understand?” She nodded, as he slapped her hands against the wall. “No one but me. Now, brace.” He pitched her hips back and slid his hot, hard cock through her folds, a slow thrust that teased her clit and made her tremble with need.
As he pulled back and drove inside, he caressed her breasts, his palm sliding across one nipple, to the other, and back again. The dual friction—between her legs and her sensitive peaks—wound her up so fast, she cried out. Her hips rammed back against him, and she ground herself on his cock.
“Yeah. Fuck yeah.” His fingers slid into her wet heat and found her pleasure center. As his thrusts grew shorter, tighter, and more frantic, as he lost his rhythm, he rubbed circles around her.
When her body exploded with bliss, she plastered herself against the warm tiles and pushed her ass out. “ Trevor. ”
With his big hands on her hips, he drove into her with a ferocity that wound her up all over again. And when he came, his shout filled the shower stall. The steam, the heat, the absolute euphoria gave her an involuntary shudder.
He collapsed over her, wrapping his arms around her waist and holding her tightly. His breath gusted in her ear, and his fingers dug into her flesh. “I love you, Elz. I love you so much.”
She wanted to say it back. She did. But resistance blocked her.
Look, it’s okay not to say it back yet. So much had happened in a few short days. She’d ended her engagement, found Trevor—got involved in planning his wedding—got closure, found out she was an embarrassment to her niece, and wound up in bed with the man who’d once destroyed her.
You don’t have to rush saying something so important.
But she didn’t want to hurt him either, so she turned in his arms and kissed him, slow and sexy. “Thank you for taking care of this, Trevor. You don’t know what a relief it is not to manage every single aspect of my life.”
“Of course.” He looked shaken.
Had she hurt him by not saying it back? Should she at least address it? Somehow, that seemed even worse. “You’re coming with me, right? Or do you need to stay and talk to Darby?”
“I’m coming with you.” Determination set his shoulders back. “I’m never going to leave your side again.”
Relief swept through her. “Okay. Good. I hope you’ve got a tux.”
He broke into a slow grin. “Yeah, I think I can scrounge one up.”
The roar of the engine made it impossible to talk, so Jess took in the spectacular view from the helicopter. The Ring Road was sandwiched between mountains and ocean, but with clear skies, she had an aerial view of the rivulets in the snowy glacier.
Trevor had a tight clasp on her hand, his chin on her shoulder as they shared the view.
It was so familiar, so dear. So…heartwarming to have him back. She loved his insatiable need to touch her, be close. Now that the initial shock had worn off, she was ready to tell him she loved him. But not when she’d have to shout, and he’d say, “ What? What did you say?”
“I SAID I LOVE YOU.”
She smiled. No, she’d wait for a better time.
As soon as they landed, they discovered a commercial flight taking off in less than an hour. Could they make it? They’d try.
They raced inside the airport only to find a line at the check-in kiosks. So, they waited, holding hands and stealing kisses.
“Everything all right?” he asked.
“Of course. Why?”
“You keep checking your phone.”
She was, wasn’t she? “I don’t want to miss the flight.”
“And if we do, we’ll take a jet.”
She nodded. “Right. Okay. I’m not used to that.”
He smoothed a finger across her forehead. “Come on, sweetheart. What’s on your mind?”
She hadn’t even realized she was upset. But he did. “I haven’t heard back from Amber, and I want to make sure they don’t cancel the wedding.”
They moved forward, sharing a station.
“Okay, but you keep looking at that text exchange.” He pointed to the screen of her phone.
“Is there anything you don’t notice?” She smiled at him.
“When it comes to you, no. What’s going on?”
“I’m sure it’s nothing. It’s probably only in my head.”
Finished checking in, they hurried to the security line. “Well, let me into your head. Maybe I can offer some perspective.”
Good point . “Bri asked me to walk her down the aisle with her mom.”
“That’s nice. Not her dad?”
“So, her Dad’s not in the picture at all. During college, he tried, but then, he moved for work, got married… Over time, he just stopped reaching out.”
“And the stepdad?”
“They’re very close, and she has roles for him too, just not this one. She wanted the honor of ‘giving her away’ to go to the people who were there for her from the beginning. Anyhow, I was very touched to be included, but this morning, I got a text from the groom’s uncle. He said people were talking about my role at the rehearsal.” She had a hard time even saying the words out loud. “I mean, I don’t even know this guy, and he’s telling me everyone thinks it’s a ‘pity gesture.’”
He gave a thoughtful nod. “You know the groom well, right?”
She nodded.
“You think his family would appoint this guy as the ambassador of wedding etiquette?”
She smiled. “No, I don’t.”
“So, then, he’s just a guy stirring shit up. But you know, it sounds like your niece has been very intentional about her wedding. There’s meaning in the date and the roles she assigned. So, I can’t see a reason to offer her aunt a pity gesture when you’d be happy just to sit in the front row and watch the ceremony.”
Her worries faded, and she squeezed his hand. “You’re absolutely right.” She loved him so much she could barely contain it all.
“No one knows the relationships like you do, so don’t give this guy’s opinion any power over you.”
“You’re right about that.”
“Besides, I’ll bet you were in the delivery room with Amber. You probably watched Bri take her first step. You were there from the beginning, so I’d bet she loves you like a mother.”
“How do you know all that?”
“Weren’t you?”
She laughed. He was making her feel so much better.
“I’ll bet you even took her to her first day of kindergarten.”
As they got in line, she nodded. “Amber didn’t want to be pregnant, but she sure stepped up when the baby was born. She worked her butt off to finish high school and get job experience. She turned out to be a great mom.”
“I’m not surprised. She had you as a role model.”
She got up on her toes to kiss him on the mouth. “My champion.”
“I know your heart. And I wouldn’t listen to a word that troll says.”
Fortunately, the line wasn’t too long because their flight was about to start boarding. I’m going to make it home in time . “You’re right. I know you are. But the thing is, I don’t want to draw attention away from the bride and groom. I don’t want people wondering why I’m walking her down the aisle instead of thinking how beautiful Bri looks.” Which pretty much decided it for her. She’d take her seat and give Amber the honor.
Just as she set her toiletry bag in the bin, Trevor’s phone buzzed. His brow furrowed when he saw who was calling. “Hey, Lisa. What’s up?” He listened for a moment, features tensing. “Well, I’m sorry, but I can’t do that.” Whoever was talking spoke so sternly that he held up his finger to Jessica and gestured for the person behind him to take his place. “Hang on. I filmed my scenes. I met my contractual obligations. It’s not my problem if their budget runs out on the thirty-first. I’m not giving up my holiday because of their screwup. You understand?”
Good for him. He’s taking a stand. She stepped out of line, too, while he handled the situation.
“Oh, hey, Joe.” He mouthed, “ My lawyer” to her and then crossed an arm over his chest and listened.
She checked her phone. Shoot. They’d miss their flight if they didn’t go right now. Not even for Trevor Montgomery would a plane keep its doors open.
With each second that passed, he grew angrier. “If the franchise is ruined, it’s not on me. I did my part, and now, it’s done. I’m done.”
An uneasy feeling slid through her. They knew him. Knew just how to push his buttons.
She could hear his lawyer’s exercised voice talking a mile a minute and watched as Trevor grew more agitated. His jaw clamped shut, and he angled his body away from her. “Then, I guess I’ll have to do it.”
And that was the moment she knew why she hadn’t told him she loved him.
Because at the back of her mind, a question hovered. Sure, he loved her. No question, he wanted her.
But had he changed the fundamental part that had driven him out of the motel room thirty years ago? When it came down to it, he wasn’t built to put her first.
Because he’d never put his own happiness first. The lesson from his parents was too deeply and firmly entrenched.
Fuck it. She wasn’t missing her niece’s wedding over this man’s issues. She put her belongings on the conveyor belt, passed through security, and race-walked to her gate.
She didn’t bother looking back.
These days, she only looked forward.