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“It doesn’t sound like I can do anything right while we’re in your parents’ home. Every little thing bothers you. Next, you’re going to tell me Cade is a better lover!”
Shelby blinked, and her mouth slowly gaped. It was almost like I could hear her thoughts. Like Cade had been the better lover, but I was confident she’d never admit it.
“I can’t say anything without you getting defensive,” she muttered. “I need to get ready for the day.”
“I’m sorry, babe. Let’s stay here awhile longer and we’ll figure this out. Better yet, let’s cancel our plans altogether.” I tried to snuggle her, but she was having none of it.
“Not a chance. I’ve been looking forward to this for weeks and I won’t let you ruin today. Plus, Holden and Mindy will be here soon.”
“Sounds like everyone else is more important than me. EvenCade.” His name rolled off my tongue in disgust.
“Don’t you think that’s a little immature?” She shook her head, rolling her eyes. “I’ll get in the shower first.”
“I’m sorry.” Grabbing her before she could get out of the bed, I forcefully kissed her neck and stroked her between the legs again. “It makes me crazy being in your hometown and around your ex. This place is your past. Where you started and he was there every step of the way.”
“It is what it is. Can’t change it,” she replied unapologetically. “You have a past and have been with dozens of women. You don’t hear me whining about it.” Her brutal words stunned me. She hadn’t ever spoken to me this way. Guess being on her home turf gave her strength and confidence.
“Would you change it if you could?” I just had to ask.
“Would you change all the women? Not that any of this matters because we can’t change a damn thing. In fact, I’m done with this conversation.” She shoved me away, and I let her go.“And for the record. Nothing about this morning was okay with me.” She grabbed her tote bag and left for the shower.
10
Shelby
I didn’t want to ruin my parents’ fortieth anniversary, so I’d keep the peace with Jake. We were only in town for a few days. I could play nice. At least that was what I told myself while I blew off steam, locked in the bathroom where I’d felt safe.
I forced myself to return to my room, after a super long shower, and moisturizing every inch of my body. My thoughts were chaotic, bouncing off the walls of my brain as the last twenty-four hours replied in my mind.
“I’m sorry.” Jake was perched on my bed facing the door with a remorseful expression. “It’s just being here, in your room, wherehe’sbeen. It makes me insane. I’m sure once we’re home, I’ll be better.”
“And what happens the next time we come?”
“The next time? When will that be?” The mortification on his face spoke volumes. He hated my family and my hometown.
How could I be with someone who didn’t want to be around the people I loved most? Cade’s stupidly handsome face flashed behind my eyes. He wasn’t included, but then, a deep ache in my heart resurfaced. I wasn’t sure I could ignore it as I had all these years. Maybe seeing my ex in Burntwood, where we’d grown up together and fell in love, was exactly what I needed to reevaluate my life choices.
“I’d love to come for Thanksgiving.”
“But we’re spending it with my family.”
“I know.” And I probably couldn’t get time off from work anyway, because I had to work. “And Christmas would be a no go with the exhibit.”
“That is a bummer.”
“Right. I can see how disappointed you are. But I might be able to get away for New Years.” I kept my shoulders squared and an unyielding expression. Jake would not control when I visited my family. I’d come with or without him.
“I thought we were to ring in the New Year in Times Square?”
“I’ve changed my mind. I mean, with my dad’s diagnosis, I should try to be here as much as possible.”
“Okay,” he replied in a tight voice.
“And I want to be home for the end of summer barbecue. I’ve missed it the last two years. If I’m being honest, I want to come home every other month.”
His eyeballs nearly popped out of his head.
“But you don’t have to come every time. It’s just important that I be here as often as possible.” It was best to put all my expectations on the table when he knew he had treated me poorly earlier.
