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“You notice I said, ‘a strong work ethic.’ She’ll be able to handle it.”
I nod and watch as Cam pays his check,—I guess they only wanted coffee?—and they walk out.
“I think it’s safe to say that I won’t be that wife,” I say and finish my burger.
“I don’t know, you’re pretty enough. I’m sure you could take business courses or something and work in an office.”
“Here’s a little something about me, Derek.” I crook my finger as if I want him to get closer so I can tell him a secret. “I was married to an asshole once already. I won’t be making that mistake again. I hope you don’t find some poor girl that you can control and mold into your idea of the perfect wife.”
I toss a twenty on the table because I’ll be damned if this man will pay for my dinner, and then I stand and, without a look back, stroll out of the restaurant.
I walk toward home. It’s not far, and the weather cleared after our huge storm yesterday, leaving the air cool but not unpleasant.
Not to mention, my car wouldn’t start again.
I’ve had that car for years. Joey bought it, and he was horrible about getting it serviced. He always claimed to forget, but the truth is, he just didn’t care. I got stranded more than once, always to the dismay of my family, who had to come and get me. Not because they minded helping me out, but because my husband was a big jerk who didn’t take care of me.
After he died, I found out that Joey had a couple of million dollars hidden from me in different bank accounts all over the United States.
And every one listed a young girl and her mother as the beneficiary.
His daughter.
A baby he had with a woman after he married me.
That was a hard pill to swallow.
Joey left me with nothing. No money, a shitty car, and very little dignity.
And despite what dickhead-Derek said, I worked my ass off to come out the other side of that in one piece. I have a good job, a great family and friends, and, thanks to that family, a good home.
I make the mortgage payments, but Kane pulled me aside and told me he was making the down payment, and I wasn’t about to argue.
He would have just bought it for me outright, without thinking twice. Family helps family, and Kane and I have a special relationship. We always have. I love him so much.
But I’m an adult, and I want to make my own way. I work hard, and I’m proud of the life I’ve built. I may not be wealthy, and my job may seem small to people like Derek, but I like it. I’m happy at the pub.
I get to the end of the street and sigh.
I could turn right and go home, or I could turn left and go to Cameron’s house. Which would be completely stupid. He’s probably with that girl.
I have no right to be upset over that idea.
No right at all.
But I turn left and head toward the house that Maeve helped him buy a few months ago. My sister not only works at the pub, she’s also a real estate agent.
And a damn good one.
The house is only two blocks down, and I slow my steps as I get closer.
I’m just making an ass out of myself, and I’ve done enough of that where Cameron is concerned. What if he’s naked with that girl? Maybe they’re at her house.
But I can see that his car is parked in his driveway, and the porch light is on.
I stand on the sidewalk and stare at the porch, then start to pace back and forth.
What am I going to say? Hey, I’m mad at you, but I don’t want you to date other girls.
“No, that’s dumb.”
I don’t even know why I’m here. I should turn around and go home before Cam realizes I’m out here.
“Are you going to come inside?”
Too late.
I freeze, then turn to find Cameron on his porch, leaning against a white column, his arms crossed over his chest.
“I haven’t decided.”
He nods and waits while I return to pacing.
Damn him! Why does he have to look so smug? So damn hot? Why can’t I just forget about that night with him and move on with my life as if nothing happened?
“It’s a little chilly out here,” he says and looks up at the darkening sky. “Might rain.”
“You can go back inside. Won’t hurt my feelings.” And then I can have my existential crisis by myself.
“I’ll wait.”
I sigh and realize that my fingers and nose are cold.
There’s no harm in going inside to warm up.
“Fine. I’ll come in.”
I climb the stairs, and a slow smile spreads over Cameron’s lips as I get closer to him. He gestures for me to go inside ahead of him.
