Jilted Jock - Rebecca Jenshak Page 0,27
you want the insanely in love more than you want to stay here?”
I didn’t think it was that simple, but I knew she had a point.
CJ busted through the front door, sweaty and dirty, and climbed into Aubrey’s lap. Watching them together, thinking about not being here to witness these moments was a little hard to swallow, but my sister-in-law was right, we’d find new ways to make memories.
“Where’s Daddy?” Aubrey asked just before Chance and Finn appeared in the doorway.
“What are you doing here?” I asked, surprised to see Finn.
“I was invited.”
Chance leaned down and placed a kiss on Aubrey’s lips and then grabbed two waters and handed one to Finn. “We took little man to the park. If he’s going pro, we gotta start the training early. Mum and Dad want to retire nicely.” My brother winked at Aubrey and then held his hand up for CJ to high five. “Plus, the kid is a great wingman. You should have seen the women eyeing us.”
Aubrey narrowed her gaze, not even trying to hide her jealousy.
“Don’t worry, princess, I’ve only got eyes for you.” He twisted the top off his water bottle and took a long drink and Finn did the same. They were so much alike, and it all felt so familiar and comforting. It never felt this easy when Richard came with me. He and Chance just didn’t share as many interests. I hated that, but also accepted no one person was going to fit perfectly into my life.
Finn used the bottom of his shirt to wipe his face and I watched the sweat dripping down the rivets of his muscles. Aaand that was my cue to leave.
“Well, I should get back to my boyfriend.” I stood, ruffled CJ’s hair and then headed to the door.
Chance called after me. “We need to talk about your moving across the country with Dick.”
I shook my head at him and rolled my eyes, not that he could see me. “You sound more like Dad every day.”
Later that night after room service, after my boyfriend made love to me on the massive King bed overlooking the Pacific, I stayed awake staring out into the water. What was I waiting for? I wanted someone who made me feel like Finn but was as good for me as Richard and that wasn’t fair. Not to myself and not to Richard.
I climbed back into the bed and cuddled up next to Richard. “Are you awake?” I whispered.
“Mmm.”
“I’ll do it. I’ll move to New York with you.” My heart did a funny half flip – a plop, really. A weird jolt of pleasure stilted with disappointment that made no sense.
His eyes flew open and I forgot to breathe as guilt slammed into me seeing how happy he was. He was so certain of this and I felt awful for my hesitation. Wasn’t it a risk for him as much as it was for me? Why was he so certain and I wasn’t?
He kissed me, pulled back, and then rolled on top of me. “You’re going to love it. We’re going to be so happy. You’ll see.”
We didn’t check out of the hotel until late Sunday afternoon and then I went with Richard to the office. He’d just wanted to stop by to check on a few things, but thirty minutes later he was in deep conversation about the New York office with his boss and it didn’t appear that they were going to finish up anytime soon.
I pulled out my phone and scrolled through my emails stopping when I saw a new one pop up from [email protected]. Finn.
I clicked on it eagerly and the photo of my now empty entryway greeted me. He’d gotten rid of his wedding presents. It made me feel lighter. Maybe it was the Feng Shui I was certain would be improved or maybe I was just hoping it had lightened him.
I’d been so quick to look at the image it wasn’t until I scrolled back up that I noticed the words he’d written.
November 13, 1:21 p.m.
From: [email protected]l.com
Subject: Feng Shui Restored
Boxes are gone. Thanks for your help.
Finn
I responded immediately, absolutely no chill and no second thoughts.
November 13, 1:22 p.m.
From: [email protected]
Reply Subject: Feng Shui Restored
You can thank me properly by naming the cat. She deserves a name.
Adele
P.S. How did you get my email address?
Finn was gone when Richard and I finally made it home. Kitty greeted us at the door, and I picked her up and carried her into the