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‘Oh, he’s …’ About to pretend that Aidan was busy and that everything was rosy between them, Cara stopped. The truth was that she and Aidan had never been a real couple. And telling half-truths to save her skin wasn’t the way she wanted to live her life anymore. Nor was burying her head in the sand when things went wrong.
She had changed, she realised with a faint smile. And she no longer felt like she needed other people’s approval to feel like a success.
Feeling as though she was short of breath she stared at the Demarche patriarch, who had raised his eyebrow at her delayed response. ‘The truth is, Monsieur Demarche.’ She cleared her throat. ‘The truth is, I’ve decided I don’t want to be part of your business unless you want me for me and not because of what I’m wearing, or how I look, or who I’m seeing.’
The older man shook his head. ‘Are you telling me you’re pulling out of the running?’
‘Yes.’ Cara felt a tremulous smile form on her lips. ‘Yes, I am.’
‘But what will everyone think?’
‘I don’t know and I don’t really care.’ Cara raised her chin. ‘I’m going to open a shop. It’s what I’ve always wanted to do and it’s time to live my life for me.’
And if that meant without Aidan, then … then … Her throat tightened. She couldn’t think about that now because she had other things to do. ‘But I thank you for the opportunity and for considering me,’ she said graciously. ‘And as for Aidan Kelly … well, he’s—’
‘Late.’ Aidan pulled up beside her and gazed down at her. ‘I’m so sorry, sweetheart.’
Cara’s heart thumped inside her chest as she stared at the dashing figure he made in a tuxedo and … tie?
‘You’re wearing a tie.’
He pulled at his shirt collar as if it was strangling him. ‘The occasion called for it. Bryce. Nice to see you again.’
‘Aidan.’
He curved his arm around her waist and all she wanted to do was lean against his broad shoulders. ‘I have to say, I applaud your taste in spokesmodels. You couldn’t have chosen better. Do you need another drink, darling?’
Darling? Oh, no, this was like the paparazzi rescue all over again. He was here because he felt sorry for her.
‘Aidan, please, can I talk to you for a minute?’
‘Of course.’
Cara smiled at Monsieur Demarche.
‘I think we all underestimated you, my dear. If you should change your mind, please let us know.’
‘I …’ Cara felt choked up. ‘Thank you. I think that’s the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me.’
‘Good luck with the future. Aidan, we should catch up sometime.’
Aidan nodded and took hold of Cara’s arms. ‘Of course. Now if you’ll excuse me, Bryce, I’d like to talk to Cara in private.’
Cara felt as if she was in a daze as Aidan led her down a corridor and tested two doors before opening one and finding an empty room. ‘Mind telling me what that was all about?’
Cara stared at him and blinked. ‘I’m not sure. I think I just turned down a really lucrative job because I want to open a shop.’
Aidan gave her a slow, knowing grin. ‘Good for you.’
Yes, good for her but … Her palms felt sweaty and she steeled herself to confront him. ‘Look, Aidan. I appreciate you coming here. But I don’t need you to do this for me. I’m fine.’
‘Then you’re doing better than me.’
Feeling like her heart was already in her mouth, Cara paused at his flat tone. ‘What do you mean?’
‘After you left I felt awful. Nothing seemed right and I wanted you with me.’
‘But I offered to go with you and you told me not to.’
‘A mistake I won’t make again.’
‘Aidan, you’re not making any sense.’
Aidan shook his head. ‘The AFL board think that as well.’
‘Oh, God. I forgot. Did you save the business? Did you beat Ellery?’
‘I don’t know. I left Ben in charge of negotiations. As far as I know they’re still going on. I haven’t checked my phone.’
‘You haven’t checked your phone? And why are you smiling all of a sudden.’
‘Because you were right, Cara.’
Feeling her pulse race at the unexpectedly heated look in his eyes Cara stared at him. ‘Right about what?’
‘So many things, sweetheart.’
‘Aidan, please don’t call me that. I—’
He took her face between his hands and her resolve to try and remain detached along with it. ‘You were right about the fact that I was too emotional over Ellery—’
