I was saving up for a house in Dublin. They aren’t exactly cheap.” On a sigh, “I wanted you to have something special.”
Really annoyed now, “You are totally full of crap. We both know that I have enough money to buy more than one house in the centre of Dublin. What’s really going on Nick? The truth this time?”
“I’ve already told you the truth.” He sits back in his chair.
I’ve had enough now and don’t really give a shit if he sees me with Cade and Jake. So pushing back my chair, I wave them both over.
“I’m leaving now Nick and I hope you will keep your promise to me about the messages. I hope this will be the last time we meet. I also think you should know that cancelling the wedding was the best thing you ever did, as I’m happier now than I ever have been.”
“Rona, you okay?” Cade asks, coming up on my right as Jake stands to my left.
“Yes, I’m good to go.”
“Well, it looks like you didn’t waste any time in replacing me,” Nick looks at Jake.
As I turn towards Cade, Nick grabs my arm, pulling me back, “This isn’t over.”
Cade puts his arm around my waist, “I wouldn’t do that if I were you.” He removes Nick’s hand from my arm. “And this is over.”
“Come on; let’s go before I break this guy’s nose!” Jake glares at my ex.
“Jake don’t, he’s not worth it.”
Grabbing hold of Jake’s arm, we head towards the doors.
~~ Cade ~~
Exiting the hotel, Jake decides to visit the Outdoor shop across from the hotel. At a guess I’d say that he’s trying to give us a moment together.
After Jake crosses the road, I take hold of Rona’s hand and we walk quietly down the sidewalk.
Before climbing into the car, Rona turns to me. I open my arms; she walks straight into them, burrowing inside my coat, wrapping her arms around my waist. It feels totally amazing. I place a kiss on her forehead, holding her tight.
Placing a kiss on my chest she pulls away, “Thanks for that, it’s just what I needed.”
I kiss her softly on her lips, “Anytime. Are you okay now?”
“Yes, I think I am. Knowing you and Jake were close helped.”
I help Rona back into the car, just as Jake appears and climbs into the driver’s seat.
Rona is really quiet looking through the window on the way back to the house. Taking her hand brings her attention back towards me.
Squeezing my hand, Rona starts talking. “I need to tell you something about Nick,” she hesitates, “he says he misses me and wants me back.”
I look at her with my heart in my throat, “And?”
She smiles. “I told him no way would I ever go back to him.” She kisses my hand. “I figured out the only reason why he was with me was because of my money.” Pausing, she continues, “My grandmother was rather wealthy and as I was her only living relative, she left everything to me, plus when I turned twenty-one, I came into my inheritance left by my parents. I only told him about the money after he proposed, when we were planning the wedding, but he knew before that. Everything seemed to click into place.”
“Wow. What a bastard. I really wish I’d punched him now. It would have made me feel good!”
“Thanks Jake, I wouldn’t have minded. I felt like punching him myself. He sure isn’t worth getting in trouble with the Sheriff over.”
After a long silence we arrive back at the house with Rona looking exhausted. I pull her close as she exits the car, “Why don’t you rest until dinner?”
“That would be good, I’m really tired.”
~~ Rona ~~
Back in my room, I throw my purse, coat and scarf on the sofa and collapse on my bed. What a day. I can’t get over Nick. I trusted him and all along he played me. At least Cade’s not like that. I actually feel exhausted, but I want to be close to Cade, so after having a soak in the tub with the cinnamon bath crystals, I pull on my jazz pants, t-shirt with my thick socks and head downstairs.
Walking into the lounge area, Cade is sitting on the sofa watching me, “I thought you were going to have a rest.”
I walk over to him, “I thought that maybe I could rest with you.”
After a pause, Cade stretches out on the sofa. “Come here love.” With no hesitation, I climb on top