I gasped. “What did you say?” I fumed and realized I didn’t want to be a mile offshore with this lunatic, so I hurried downstairs and started preparing the boat to return to the marina.
“Kendra, don’t be mad. So, I’ve known for a little while,” Jesse pleaded as he followed me around the boat.
“We’re done.”
“What did that Aussie asshole tell you?”
I paused in my pre-boating prep work. “What did you say?”
“Did that asshole tell you about the backup plan? I was fucking with him.”
“What backup plan?” My stomach plummeted when I saw the flicker of regret flash on his face. “You called me your backup plan?”
He shrugged. “I was joking!”
I yanked the closest fire extinguisher off the wall and stalked closer to him. “Joking. Really. When did you do this joking?”
“Last night. We were having a few beers. I was teasing him because I knew it would get his goat, right? He’s so growly, like a bear or a caveman.My Kendra, grrrrr,” Jesse growled. “It’s ridiculous. Who talks like that? Anyhoo, I was poking the bear and told him you were my backup plan to see what he’d do.”
“I see.” I rolled my shoulders back.
Jesse smiled. “Yeah. And by the way, did you know he hasn’t been all that honest with you either.”
A chill skated across my skin. “Is that so?”
“Uh-huh. He told you his last name is Rafferty, but it’s Seeger. He grew up in Tampa. His dad is like some billionaire ship guy,” Jesse said. “Probably thinks he can do whatever he wants because he’s rich.”
I put down the fire extinguisher on a table. “Jesse. I’m going to say something to you, and I need you to listen to me. Really listen. Think you can do that?”
He grinned at me as he nodded.
I swallowed. “I have spent my entire adult life pining after you. I thought I was in love with you when we were kids, but I never said anything because I didn’t want to ruin our friendship. It’s a small island. That’s pretty close quarters if things go wrong. But when you went to college, the night before you left, I could have said something, but I didn’t. I’ve been kicking myself about that ever since. If I waited patiently, I thought you’d come to your senses and see me for who I was. But you never did. In theyears we’ve been friends, you never considered me that way. The worst part is that I now realize youdidconsider me, but I wasn’t enough for you.”
Jesse stepped closer and placed his hands on my shoulders. “That’s not true.”
“Then, there’s the other side of me. The part that hesitated every time I could have said something. I had the perfect opportunity to tell you before you left for college, but I didn’t. Why was that? Could it be that my subconscious knew you weren’t the one for me? And it has taken my consciousness this freaking long to catch up with it? Huh. Maybe Rowan was right.” I shook my head and looked to the sky. “Do you know how long I’ve waited for you to make a move? Here we are. You’re making your move. And the only person I can think of is Rowan.”
“That guy,” Jesse grumbled. “Maybe if you let me kiss you, I’d make you forget all about him.”
I stepped away from my second-oldest friend. “Doubtful. He showed me something that you never did in all the time I’ve known you.”
“Oh yeah?” Jesse sneered. “What’s that?”
“He made me feel loved, just as I am. I didn’t have to wait for it. I didn’t have to walk on eggshells for it. Matter of fact, I’ve shown him my absolute worst side, and he stuck by me. He even entertained you for an entire night because I asked him to.” I snort-laughed. “Well, I did offer him an incentive. But that’s beside the point. He did it. And I fell in love with him somewhere in the middle of all this nonsense. I know he’s too good for me. But I learned a valuable lesson from him. I will no longer accept bread crumbs and scraps from someone who doesn’t see my value. You don’t deserve me. And this means we’re no longer friends - you and me. Our lopsided relationship is done.” I picked up the fire extinguisher and pointed it at him. “Now, get the fuck off my boat.”
Jesse’s jaw dropped. “We’re a mile offshore!”
“Hope you’re a strong swimmer,” I said. “Now, walk the plank.”
Chapter 38
Rowan Rafferty goes fishing
I stoodat the ship's helm, staring out over the dark Gulf waters, the salty breeze doing little to soothe the ache in my chest. The noisy laughter and music from the party aboard the vessel blurred into an annoying hum in the background. My thoughts replayed the moment I caught Kendra in Jesse’s arms.
Even though I knew it was a strong possibility, I was utterly unprepared for the devastation of watching her choose him. The image of her, so close to that wanker, pierced through me like a dagger and hurt worse than losing part of my leg.
I knew we had a short shelf life, but that didn’t stop me from falling in love with her. I felt like a piece of my soul had been ripped out and wondered how long it would take for that phantom pain to fade.
