Chapter 26
Carina
Rhett stormed out of the hotel suite three hours ago. Since then, I’ve been blowing up his phone, but he refuses to answer.
Fuck.
The flash of hurt shining bright in his eyes as realization set in nearly killed me.
How do you tell the guy you’re crazy about, your family wants nothing to do with him?
Mom’s words were so shocking, I didn’t know how to respond.
I guess I wasn’t prepared. I expected them to grill Rhett at the dinner table, but I never suspected they’d shut the door in his face without even giving him a chance.
Just because he isn’t their idea of the type of man they had envisioned for me, doesn’t mean he isn’t the right one.
I drag myself out of the bathroom draped in the same white terrycloth bathrobe I’ve been wearing since I got back to the hotel. I’m disheartened.
Everything between Rhett and me was going so well, and now things are on shaky ground.
Fuck my life.
I’m about to head to the wardrobe to pull out some clothing to wear when I hear the door open and then close.
“Rhett?” I rush out of the bedroom. “You’re back.”
He shoves his hands inside the pocket of his jeans.
I take several steps forward. “I was worried sick.”
Still no answer.
“I’m sorry my parents put up a wall like this. They don’t even know you,” I say. “If they did, they’d know why I like you so much.”
Rhett presses his lips together as he scans my face, reaching out to smooth the hair from my forehead. “You like me?”
“How can you ask me that? I’ve been crazy about you since day one.”
“Good to know because I’ve been under your spell since I met your beautiful blue eyes. And for the record… I like you too.”
“You do?”
“How can you ask me that?” His eyes bore into mine. “I’m sorry I walked out on you, darlin’. I needed some fresh––I guess I should say, polluted air.”
I laugh.
He joins me.
“In any case, I needed time to think… about us,” he says.
“That doesn’t sound too good.”
“As much as I like you, Carina, I don’t want to come between you and your family. I’m grateful for Jenkins and April, but they aren’t related to me by blood. You have a large family, and if they think there’s someone better out there for you… I’ll step aside––”
“Rhett––”
“I can’t be someone I’m not, babe. New York City is a trip of a lifetime, but I don’t see myself ever living up here. My home is in Summerville. I don’t expect you to choose between your family and a man.”
“Ugh.” I let out a long breath of frustration.
“What?” His expression is pained.
“You’re doing exactly the same thing my parents and brothers keep doing.”
“What do you mean?” Confusion veils his eyes.
I give him an incredulous look. “You’re robbing me of the chance to make my own decisions. I’m a grown ass woman. I should get to decide who I want to be with.”
“I’m not who they want for you––”
“You’re who I want for me.” I set him straight.
His gorgeous green eyes widen, but he doesn’t speak. He stares at me, almost baffled by my revelation. “Carina, I––”
“You’re not the only one who’s been doing some thinking.
My old self would’ve called Mani panicked, crying, confused.
I didn’t do any of those things. I sat here and mulled over the conversation I had with my mom and then the conversation we had.
I already know my decisions are going to change my life––”
“Family comes first, babe.”
“Family is supposed to support, not dictate. Surely not at my age.”
“I don’t want them to hate me or you to resent me later.”
“Here you go again.” My arms go flying in the air before dropping against my thighs in a loud thump. “I may have been powerless and na?ve in my relationship with Stefano, but thank God, those days are behind me. I’m wiser now and I’m not afraid to stand my ground.”
“Are you saying what I think you’re saying?”
“Maybe this is just a fling for you––”
He cradles my face in his hands. “Hell no.” His answer is solemn. “If this was a fling, it would’ve been done with a long time ago.”
I lower my eyes. “Really?”
“Look at me.”
I obey his command.
“You know the answer to that, Carina.”
My heart swells at his words.
“I decided my family needs time to come to grips with our relationship,” I say. “As for moving back to New York City, I have a pretty good reason not to.” I hold his gaze. “All six feet of the sexiest man I’ve ever laid eyes on.”
His dimples are like craters from his wide smile. “Shoot, little lady. Your words are as sweet as honey… a lot like you.” He drops a soft kiss against my lips. “So, we’re good? We’re going to give your folks a little time? Is that it?”
I nod. “Once they understand I’m an adult and this isn’t a booty call or a novelty that will wear off, they’ll come around.” I hope.
“And if they don’t?”
He had to ask the hard question.