Jilted Jock - Rebecca Jenshak Page 0,45

I let you guys move on with your life and stop worrying about me. I can do this. I think I need to do this.”

I left out all of my worries that I’d fail and that I’d hate it and that I’d miss them so much. I was already having a hard time breathing just imagining it.

My brother’s gaze fell on me. Worry etched in the lines around his mouth and eyes. “This is what you want?”

I swallowed around the lump in my throat. “Yes.”

Resignation slowly smoothed out his features and he nodded. “Alright. I’m gonna miss the hell out of you, but that’s all I want – for you to have everything that you want.”

“When would you move?” Aubrey asked.

“Two weeks.”

Adele

The night before I left for New York, Chance and Aubrey threw a going away party for me at their house. Richard had flown in, everyone from the office came, as well as some of Richard’s friends.

“Wow, you look amazing. Is that dress new?” Aubrey did a thrice over with her mouth hanging open.

“Is it too much?” I asked, running a hand down the front. The long dress was more daring than anything I’d ever owned. Cutouts on the sides showed a small triangle of skin and the light pink skirt was made entirely of tulle. I felt like a sexy princess.

“No, it’s perfect. Moving to New York agrees with you.”

I nodded. “To new adventures.”

We walked outside where everyone was gathered on the porch or in the yard. Twinkle lights hung all around and a long table held platters of catered food. It was the most fabulous party anyone had ever thrown for me.

I looked out at all the people, not focusing on any one person, but just enjoying the happy chatter humming through the night.

Aubrey motioned with her head to the food table. “I’m gonna grab a soda out of the cooler. Do you want anything?”

“Sparkling water?”

“You got it.”

I smiled and waved to a few people across the party. Everyone was in conversation, so I stood and waited for Aubrey.

“You look beautiful.” He appeared at my side, gaze sweeping over me with heat. All the air fled my lungs. I’d missed that voice. Rough Australian accent that was all confidence and arrogance. Missed it but hated the way it affected me.

“What are you doing here?” I whisper-screeched.

“I wanted to see you. We need to talk.”

“Now? Here?!” I glanced around for Richard and breathed a sigh of relief when I found he had his back to me.

Finn nodded and I looked him over carefully. Hair tussled like he’d been running his hands through it. He’d let his beard grow again, but it was trimmed close. Gray dress pants and a black button-down shirt that he’d rolled at the sleeves. Tennis shoes that were so him – dressed up, but not too stuffy.

Aubrey returned and handed me a water. “Finn, you made it.” They hugged and I shot a look of betrayal to my sister-in-law. “I’m so glad. It’s good to see you.”

“Good to see you too.”

Stunned and frozen in silence, I could only stand and gape at him.

Aubrey’s brows pulled together as she tried to understand my reaction. I knew the fear and anxiety I was feeling had to be obvious. My entire body was like one big nerve. Easing the awkwardness, she focused on Finn. “Chance is over there with CJ. He’ll be so glad you came.”

With a nod, Finn took the easy out. “Thanks.” His gaze flitted over me again briefly. “I’ll catch you later.”

When he was out of earshot, Aubrey wasted no time interrogating me. “What was that about?”

I couldn’t answer, so I shot my own question back. “Why is he here?”

“Chance invited him. He looks good. I think he’s finally back to his old self, or that’s what Chance says.”

I said nothing.

“Is everything okay? Did something happen between you two before I walked up?”

“No. No, of course not. I’m just surprised to see him.” My face warmed and travelled down my neck. I was going to be sweating soon in my new fancy dress.

“Have you talked to him since he left?”

“No. Why would I?”

Aubrey looked confused. “I don’t understand what’s wrong. I thought you’d be happy to see him.”

I rolled my eyes and forced myself to relax. Aubrey would never leave it alone if she thought I was upset. “It’s fine. I just wasn’t expecting him to be here.”

“I’m shocked you haven’t kept in touch. Finn is one of the first people in a long