She takes a step back, and I feel like a prick—I know this isn’t her fault but it’s not easy to hear. I pull my fingers roughly through my hair.
“This is why I didn’t want to tell you. I hoped he’d come to his senses, see past his own fucking ego. It was eating me up inside, keeping it from you.” Her tears fall freely, and it guts me. I reach out for her, wanting to hold her, but drop my arms. This is my fault. I’m selfish for wanting her the way I do.
“I can’t do this,” I say, the words thundering in my ears.
“Do what?” she asks her voice almost shrill.
“See you hurting like this. Fucking hell, Rachel, I’d sacrifice never seeing you again if it meant you not suffering.”
I don’t want to be part of the reason she’s sad or torn. She shouldn’t have to make a choice or sacrifice her happiness. But Molly is her priority, and it’s one of the reasons I’ve fallen irrevocably for her. I take a physical step back. My chest is tight, the air in here suffocating.
“What are you saying?” she asks, trying to control her breathing.
“I don’t know. I need to go.”
“Olly, please don’t leave. Don’t let him come between us,” she says on a plea.
She reaches out for my hand, hers shaking, and I cave. She pulls me gently towards her, and I wrap her in my arms. Her breathing against my chest calms as I stroke her silky-smooth hair. “Please stay,” she whispers.
I pull back, and she stares up at me, her eyes heavy with worry. “He’s always going to be part of my life—he’s Molly’s dad.”
She’s right, of course she is, and I’m jealous of that fact. “I know, but it worries me, and I don’t trust him or his intentions.”
Her eyes soften. “Then trust me.” Her eyes plead for me to listen.
“I do.” I stroke my hands up and down her arms.
“Then you’ll stay?”
I lean down. “Of course,” I reply before kissing her tenderly.
Tonight, I want to forget about Marcus and his manipulative games. I want to hold her secure in my arms and never let go.
Chapter Fifty-Five
RACHEL
I’ve been even more unsettled ever since I told Olly about Marcus’s proposals. Olly was quick to suggest I make it work with Marcus. Does he not feel this as strongly as I do? I still haven’t told him how I feel…
The thought of losing him because of Marcus and his selfish antics crushes down on my chest with force. It becomes a physical effort to breathe.
Marcus was meant to be here over an hour ago to pick up Molly. Sophie had her over for a play date with Selene this afternoon, and now she’s here at the deli, colouring while we wait for her dad.
I hear the bell ring and look up, ready to give him hell, but it’s Olly.
His smile is infectious, and before I can stop myself, I round the counter, colliding with him, wrapping my arms around his waist.
He kisses the top of my head. “You okay?” he asks. I turn my head in the direction of Molly. “Hey kid,” he calls out, then she bounds over to him.
He picks her up. She kisses him on the cheek. I never tell her to kiss or cuddle someone—I want her to feel comfortable—and she always has been with him. “Daddy’s late again,” she says, and I hate how she’s not even deluded by the fact.
“I’m sure he’ll be here soon. How about you show me what you’re colouring while your mum makes me a nice cup of coffee,” he says, giving me a wink.
I mouth the words,thank you, as he takes Molly back over to her table.
Coffee and a slice of lemon drizzle cake in hand, I take them over and place them in front of him. “See kid? She’s a keeper,” he says to Molly.
“What’s a keeper?” she asks, and I can’t hide my chuckle. Always with the questions.
