To feel that familiar humiliating rejection.
It’s crazy how hard and fast I fell for this girl. Would Quinn have laughed if I wanted to pursue a relationship while living in another state? Would she have dismissed me as Corinne had for wanting to eventually make Sycamore Mountain our home? Her life seems so full here with her family and career.Was I nothing more than a fling?
Watching the water below ebb and flow isn’t as calming as I’d found it in years past. It’s clear I haven’t healed enough from my ex-best friend and fiancée’s betrayal. Hearing Ian shift beside me brings my focus back to the hear and now. My head is clearly in a tailspin over his little sister. And this fucker is the last person who can help me.
“When I saw Quinn earlier, she seemed upset. She jumped into her car, trying to hide it. But I know my sister. While I suspect this may be related to you somehow, I didn’t call her. Didn’t pry. I lost the right to know your business years ago. But seeing you here confirms it.”
I can’t look at him. But hearing that Quinn was upset does have my hackles drawn.
“Initially, I was worried. Had to at least consider whether you could hurt my sister to get back at me.”
My head spins in his direction so fast I’m shocked I haven’t catapulted myself off the side of this cliff.
“Woah. Woah. I had to at least consider it. She’s my baby sister. But I know you, Jase. You’d never intentionally hurt anyone. And from what I could see, you two seemed happy. Much happier than I ever remember you with?—”
Looking back to the ocean below, I grit my teeth. I’m not talking about Quinn with this asshole. Little sister or not.
Ian’s voice quavers as he continues. “I thought I loved her.” It’s clear he’s no longer talking about his sister, but my ex. “Made excuses for why I couldn’t say no when she came on to me. I was weak. But it was all an act. I fell for it hook, line, and sinker. I was merely a meal ticket. I’ll be paying for my crimes for a long time.” From the corner of my eye, I see him toss a rock toward the sand below. “Karma is a bitch with a long memory.”
My head whirls back in his direction, hoping he isn’t referring to Joy.
As if he knows what I’m thinking, he throws his palms up in mock surrender and clarifies, “The only good thing that came from our marriage was my daughter.”
With this, I can’t help but examine him more closely. His expression is hard to read in the moonlight as he stares out into the distance. From everything I’ve heard, Ian has devoted every free moment to Joy. I’ve no doubt he would’ve fought for her even if her sorry ass mother hadn’t abandoned her.
“Not that it’s worth anything to you, but I never had the chance to apologize. Figured I’d take my shot before you throat punch me or feed me to the sharks.” He draws his legs up from the cliff’s edge before standing to his full height. “I’m sorry, Jase. I don’t deserve your forgiveness, but I need you to know how awful I feel about everything. Even if I was under the illusion that Corinne loved me, you deserved a conversation before I acted on it.” He takes a few steps before turning back. “Shit, a real man would’ve walked away out of respect for his friend. I was selfish and pathetic. I’ll go to my grave knowing it was the biggest regret of my life.”
Ian ambles off to where I assume his car is parked, but stops short. “Despite all the bad blood between us, you’re the best man I’ve ever known. If you have any feelings for my sister… Well, the only guy I know who’s good enough for her is you. Don’t throw away something amazing because you’re worried about history repeating itself.” It’s as if no time has passed. He still knows me well enough to hit the nail on the head.
Fucker.
Chapter 23
Quinn
It’s been three weeks. Three agonizing weeks. I can’t help feeling empty and dejected since Jason returned to Sycamore Mountain. In the long run, it may not have made a difference, but I didn’t get the goodbye I’d hoped for. If I had made it to the tree lighting, would it have changed anything?
Grow up, Quinn.Some hot sex doesn’t entitle you to more. You were merely a convenient hook up while he was here.
Surfing through the options, I scroll to the Hallmark channel to see which Christmas movie is on and immediately change my mind. I can’t handle sappy romance with a happily ever after right now. I’m too hurt. It’d only remind me that my life is no fairy tale.
Knock, knock.
My head drops back against the couch, and I let out a frustrated exhale. I really don’t want to put my fake face on and pretend everything’s okay. Whether it’s Callie, Ian, or my dad, I just want to be left alone to wallow tonight.
Knock, knock.
Ugh! I push myself up and shlep over to the front door. Hope it’s one of the three of them since I’m already in my jammies. Looking down before reaching for the doorknob, I realize I’m wearing the ones decorated in Christmas lights with a tank top that readsLet’s Get Lit.
Swinging the door open, my eyes spring wide when I find Jason standing on my porch holding a bouquet of gorgeous white blooms and fragrant greenery, the familiar light scent of jasmine penetrating the space between us. While his presence here has my pulse racing, the sight of him warms the hollow ache in my chest. Until I remember to keep my guard up. Whether I miss him like crazy or not, the jerk face left without a word, and my heart hasn’t healed. I’m not prepared to allow him to cause any further damage.
“Hi.” His normally sexy commanding tone sounds timid. I guess I’m not the only one feeling guarded.God, why does this have to hurt so much?
“Hi,” I reply. The polite thing to do would be to let him in, but regardless of the flowers, if this conversation is going to cement that this one-sided relationship was all in my head, I don’t need to replay it occurring in my house.
“I know it’s late, and I’ve come unannounced. But I was hoping we could go somewhere and talk.” He seems to shift agitatedly as he stands before me.
Looking down at my attire, I peer back up at him and tilt my head as if to say,For real?
