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“Isn’t that enough?”
Taking a minute to catch my breath and keep my temper in check, I look around and spot Cade and Jake sitting over by the window, both glaring at Nick. I hate the fact that I’m putting Cade through this. No matter what I’ve told him, I can see the worry on his face. Worry that I’m going to walk off with Nick.
Ha! If only Nick knew.
“No way will I ever get back with you. Look, I’m not stupid. It’s come to my notice—today, actually—as we’re talking, that I can’t remember the last time I saw your wallet.” I stare at him and take note of his shock. “Whenever we went anywhere, I always paid. I paid for your car. I even gave you rent money a couple of times.” I’m really on a roll now. “So tell me, is it me you miss or my money?”
He splutters. “Now babe, you know I was saving up for a house in Dublin. They aren’t exactly cheap.” He sighs. “I wanted you to have something special.”
Anger burns in my veins and I fight the urge to slap him for the bald faced lies he’s spewing. “You are totally full of crap. We both know I have enough money to buy a dozen homes in the center of Dublin. What’s really going on, Nick? Tell me the
truth, this time.”
“I’ve already told you the truth.” He sits back in his chair.
I’ve had enough and don’t really give a shit if he sees me with Cade and Jake. Pushing back my chair, I wave them both over.
“I’m leaving now, Nick. I hope you will keep your promise to me about the messages. This will be the last time we meet. You should also know that canceling the wedding was the best thing you ever did because I’m happier now than I ever have been.”
“Rona, are you okay?” Cade asks, coming up on my right as Jake stands to my left.
“Yes. I’m good to go.”
“Well, it looks like you didn’t waste any time in replacing me.” Nick looks at Jake.
As I turn toward Cade, Nick grabs my arm, pulling me back. “This isn’t over.”
Cade puts his arm around my waist. “I wouldn’t do that if I were you,” he growls as he forcefully removes Nick’s hand from my arm, “and this, whatever you think this is, is over.”
“C’mon. Let’s go before I break this guy’s nose!” Jake glares at my ex.
I grab hold of Jake’s arm. “Jake, don’t. He’s not worth it.”
Without another word, we head toward the door.
Cade
After exiting the restaurant, Jake visits the store across from the hotel. This gives me an opportunity to have Rona to myself, even if it is only for a moment.
I take hold of Rona’s hand, and we continue to walk quietly down the sidewalk. All I feel is relief that she’s walking away with me, and not the bastard she left in the hotel.
Once we reach the car, Rona turns to me. I do the most natural thing in the world and open my arms. She walks straight into them, burrowing inside my coat before wrapping her arms around my waist. It feels totally amazing, holding her like this out in the open. Kissing her on the forehead, I return her embrace.
With a quick kiss on my chest, she pulls away. “Thanks for that, it’s just what I needed.”
I kiss her softly on the lips, and have to force myself to pull away. “Anytime. Are you okay now?”
“Yes, I think I am. Knowing you and Jake were close helped.”
I open the car door for Rona as Jake appears and climbs into the driver’s seat. Without a word, he starts the car and pulls away. He seemed fine when we left the hotel, if not a little pissed at what just happened with Rona’s ex, but now he seems completely distracted. Which has me worried. I suspect it has something to do with Elise, but with how his career in the Marines came to an end, I’m not too sure. It hurts not knowing how to help him. He’s my son and I feel as though I’m letting him down in some way.
“Dad, I’m fine.”
My eyes widen in surprise as he adds, “You’re an open book sometimes, especially a few minutes ago. I’ve accepted what’s happened and I can assure you what’s on my mind at the moment has nothing to do with the Marines.” Jake grins.
I open my mouth to reply, but Jake adds, “Please don’t ask. Just trust me, okay?”
Smiling, I agree, “I can do that,” realizing that he’s having woman trouble. Which brings my eyes back to Rona, who has been quiet since we left downtown. When I take her hand, it brings her attention back to me.
