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“It’s the right thing,” she whispered for the hundredth time. Crossing the floor, she got the impression this was how prisoners during the French revolution felt walking to the Guillotine.
The door opened only moments after she rang the bell, but not by the Sherbrooke she wanted. “Addie, come on in,” Jake said. He stood in the doorway, his face sweat stained and blood on the shirt he wore.
Addie hesitated, and then stepped forward. “Is Trent home?” She clasped her hands behind her.
“You mean Grumpy? Yeah, he’s in the shower.”
For the moment the purpose of her visit faded. “Grumpy?”
“Yeah, you know like the dwarf from Snow White. He’s about as pleasant as that.” Jake paused then shook his head. “No, I’m wrong. He’s worse.”
Great, Trent in a bad mood. Who knew how a grumpy Trent would take the news? “If he’s in a bad mood maybe I should come back later.”
“And have him split my lip again?” He pointed to his bottom lip, which looked swollen. “Unless you don’t care for my well-being, I suggest you stay.”
Addie cracked a smile despite the seriousness of her visit. Jake had a knack for making people laugh. She’d noticed that in Connecticut as well. “I guess I’ll stay then.” Behind her back she tightened her grip. “You two were fighting?”
Jake took her by the elbow and led her further inside. “I thought it would improve his mood. This was all it did.” He gestured toward his mouth again as he sat.
Since it appeared appropriate, she followed suit and took the armchair across from him. At first neither spoke, instead Jake studied her.
“I’ve never seen him like this,” he said, breaking the silence. “This situation with you is tearing him up.”
Yeah, because his plan went down the drain. “I doubt that.”
“I’ve known my cousin a lot longer than you and this isn’t him. He loves you,” Jake said his voice a mix of kindness and authority.
“Did he tell you why I left?” Maybe he didn’t know the truth about her and Trent’s relationship.
Jake crossed his arms and leaned back, disgust on his face. “Yeah, he told me everything. What can I say? My cousin can be an ass at times. But, he loves you. His proposal had nothing to do with any plan.”
If she could only believe Jake, but how could she? Wouldn’t Trent’s cousin say anything in his defense? “I know you believe that—”
“But you don’t,” Jake interrupted her. “I get it. At least think about it and hear what he has to say. Despite his flaws he’s a good guy.”
“Addie,” Trent said.
She looked toward the stairs as he came down. Dressed in jeans and a T-shirt, his hair looked damp and he’d not bothered with any shoes. Right away, the sight brought tears and she prayed she could hold them back long enough to say what she’d come for.
“I’m sorry I kept you waiting.” He stopped near the coffee table but made no move to touch her.
“It’s okay. I haven’t been here long.” Up close she noticed the nicks on his face from shaving and the dark circles under his eyes.
“That’s my cue.” Jake stood and, without another word, left.
In her lap, she squeezed her fingers. “I’m sorry. I didn’t think that you might have company.”
Trent pointed his thumb toward the stairs. “He’s more of an annoyance. I’d rather see you. Actually, I planned to stop by your house tonight.”
She offered him a weak smile. “I guess this saves you a trip.” She cleared her throat. “Trent, I have something important to tell you.” She’d known this would be difficult but not this bad.
“So do I.” He sat down on the coffee table his knees mere inches from hers. “Do you mind if I go first?”
Addie shook her head. If she opened her mouth now she feared the dam holding back her tears would burst.
“You already know about Marty’s plan. I wish it wasn’t true but it is. There’s nothing I can do about the past.” He took both her hands in his. “But Addie from the very first time we met, you intrigued me. You wouldn’t even let me buy you a new coffee after I spilled yours even though you recognized me.”
His words brought back their first encounter and her chest tightened.
