Total pages in book: 77
Estimated words: 72586 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 363(@200wpm)___ 290(@250wpm)___ 242(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 72586 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 363(@200wpm)___ 290(@250wpm)___ 242(@300wpm)
Wasn’t that the kind of thing worth fighting for?
He was quiet for a long moment. "I used to. With Katie, I thought if I just loved her enough, if I just tried hard enough..." He shook his head. "Some things just aren't meant to be. I think people lie to themselves. They think their love or hard work will overcome the obvious obstacles and incompatibilities. But in the end, those things just get worse. They don’t go away. And they eventually ruin everything."
The words hit like a punch to the gut. He had to know I was asking about us, so his explanation was a gentle rejection. He was telling me we needed to keep this thing light and unserious. He still believed there was no overcoming obstacles, and the issues between us would only get worse if we took things further.
"Right," I said, pushing away my plate. "We should probably head back."
"Emma?"
"It's fine. I just... I realized how late it is. And I still have a lot of things I need to check on before tomorrow.”
He studied my face, confusion clear in his eyes. "Did I say something wrong?"
"No. You said exactly what I needed to hear. And… I appreciate you being straightforward and upfront with me. It’s refreshing when people can just say what they mean. No games. No confusion." I forced a smile.
James frowned. Probably because he thought I meant what I said when I told him I didn’t want anything complicated. And here I was, implying I wanted exactly that. Why should I be put off when he is the one sticking to the original plan?
The more I tried to pretend his rejection didn’t hurt, the more I found myself emotionally curling inwards. I hardly spoke on the drive back. I rested my forehead against the cold window and watched the snow-covered trees pass by and listened to the crunch of the tires on ice.
I told myself this was good. It was better to get clarity on our future—or lack of one—before I let myself get even more carried away with silly thoughts about what might be possible between us.
I should thank him for not leading me on or letting me have false hope.
So why did it feel like my heart was breaking all over again?
22
JAMES
"So let me get this straight," Derek said through the phone. "You’re already pretty sure there’s a sinister angle when it comes to the Wellingtons. So… what’s the hold up?”
“Pretty sure doesn’t warrant the destruction of a wedding, Derek. You know how this works.”
“Yeah, except you’re saying pretty sure. The information you emailed me tonight looks more concrete than ‘pretty sure’. It looks like a slam dunk.”
I paced outside my room, keeping my voice low. "It's complicated."
"Because of the wedding planner you're sleeping with?"
"I'm not—" I stopped myself. “Wait. How did you even know about her?”
“You’re not the only one with investigative abilities, James. The girl from Ireland. Emma Marshall. She’s the same wedding planner up there in Breckenridge. Daughter of the lady who hired you. Did you really think I wouldn’t catch that?”
I sighed. “It doesn’t matter. What matters is I need to be sure Marcus is the problem. This situation is… unique. I’ve never wrecked a wedding just because the family is full of pieces of shit with bad intentions. I haven’t tied the groom to any of this yet.”
"What is your instinct telling you right now?”
I ran a hand through my hair. "That maybe I've spent so long looking for problems, I’m going to see them around every corner. That it’s weird I never stop to think if I’m sabotaging a relationship that could’ve worked out if the bride and groom are willing to sort through it.”
Derek was quiet for a moment. "This isn't like you, man. Usually by now you'd have all your evidence in hand and be rehearsing your dramatic reveal.”
"Emma would never forgive me if I'm wrong about this." The words slipped out before I could stop them.
"Ah. There it is." I could hear the smirk in his voice. "You're compromised."
"I'm being thorough."
"You're stalling because you don't want to hurt her. Or her sister." Derek sighed. "Look, I get it. But if these guys are what you think they are—"
"I'll handle it," I cut in. "I just need more time."
"Time for what? To fall harder for someone who's going to hate you all over again when this blows up?"
I didn't have an answer for that. After ending the call with Derek, I stood outside my door for a long moment, forehead pressed against the cool wood.
When I finally went in, Emma was already asleep. She'd showered—I could smell her shampoo from here—and was curled up on her side of the bed wearing one of my t-shirts. The sight did things to my chest I wasn't ready to examine.