to be understanding. He can’t love me and her at the same time, it doesn’t work that way. I could never love another man after Kent, so I don’t understand why Willow moving on is killing him so much. I’m moving on. He’d better come with me.
It’s about a three hour drive from Jacksonville to Tampa, give or take Kent’s speeding. The entire time the radio does the talking for us. I can feel his nervous energy. It’s infectious. We’re both wound up and aggravated. I tap my fingers against the door handle and he taps his on the steering wheel. I want to demand he turn around. He’s obviously anxious. I am no better. Perhaps this weekend isn’t as harmless as I fooled myself into thinking it would be. The one woman who has managed to get between us the most is waiting for us. This time she might succeed.
When we get deeper into Tampa the houses start to grow in size. Kent stops in front of a gorgeous mansion on the bay, punching a number into the gates out front. After driving down a lush green driveway, he pulls into a cove lined with expensive cars. I am not in my element. The car he rented looks like a toy compared to the ones in the driveway.
He stops the engine and stares up at the mansion in dread and I in wonder. And okay, maybe a little irritation. I’m in love with someone who can sit in front of a mansion and only think about his problems. It dumbfounds me. My parents were far from rich and after Becca and I were on our own we never had our heads above water. This is a drastic change.
Movement catches my attention near the garage. “Who’s that?”
“The staff.”
“You have staff?” I laugh in disbelief and cover my hand with my mouth. “You’re kidding. What do they do?”
“Jest.” He shrugs. “Relax, Rain.”
“Listen, grumpy, it’s not every day I meet a man who can’t cut his own lawn.”
He runs a hand down his face and opens his door, not answering me.
A male wearing a white shirt and black pants waves at him. “Kent,” he says, walking over to us. “I hear you’re going to be a year older.”
“Mr. Greene.” Kent smiles politely as they shake hands. “You hear right.”
“I’ll bring your things up to your room.”
“Thanks, Mr. Greene.”
Mr. Greene glances curiously at me before heading for the trunk.
“Come on, Rain.”
I scramble out of the car and run across the stone driveway to catch up with him. We approach an ornate patio. Glass rims the outside of the tall door and the sun glares off the surface, making the alcove over the entrance glow. This house was enormous. It looked like a Cape Cod-styled home on steroids with all of the sharp elegant angles and shimmering glass.
“Remember, I love you,” he promises. “No matter what I do, that’s what matters.”
He’s making me nervous. “I’ll remind you who loves you. Don’t worry.”
He bends down to kiss me, turning me so I’m in his arms. His kiss is desperate and intense. I reach up to run my fingers through his hair, needing to hold onto a part of him that can’t leave like the rest of him is. As I begin to catch up and deepen the kiss the front door opens and someone clears their throat.
Kent moves his lips to look at them. I’m too embarrassed. I hide my face against his chest.
“Mom,” he says.
Crap.
I peek at her and she’s nothing but sweet smiles.
“You didn’t tell me you were bringing a date. I am delighted, Kent.”
“I’m sure,” he grumbles. He releases me and embraces her face gently, kissing both her cheeks and then her forehead. He looks at her in a way I’ve never seen before. He’s younger and reticent. His smile is soft and endearing. I fall in love a little harder watching him interact with his mother. “Hi, Mom.”
“Hi, Kent.” Her smile is affectionate and warm. She wraps her arms around him and hugs him tightly while I stand there awkwardly. “I’m so glad you’re home. My entire family is together again.”
He pulls away at her words. “Are they in there?”
She can barely look him in the eye. “They are. Kent, honey, please don’t ruin this for me.”
“For you?” His eyebrows skyrocket. “They ruined everything for me.”
He loves me, I remind myself.
“Kent Nicholson,” she begs quietly. “You will behave yourself. This weekend is for everyone.” She looks exactly like Kent, with her