“Because I couldn’t give you what you wanted.”
“How did you know? You didn’t even ask me.”
“Have you seen me? I couldn’t give any woman what she wanted.”
“But then you dated Rina.”
“I don’t want to hurt your feelings, and I wasn’t even looking, but Rina was just who I needed after my accident.”
Rina was just who he needed?The specter of another woman lanced her. Orchid pictured some wraithlike angel, a perfect model of patience and care. The inherent criticism in his words cut deep.
“What do you mean, Rina was just who you needed?”
“She had no reaction to my injuries. She just saw me as a man. She made me laugh at myself.”
Orchid shot to her feet. “You ever think maybeIcould’ve been that person? You don’t think I could’ve seen you for the amazing man you are? You know what’s crazy? You didn’t even tell me what happened! You didn’t trust me! You could’ve given me a little more credit, you know. For being more than just squeamish Orchid. Maybe remembered my good side, too?”
His blue irises darkened. “The difference is she’d never known me any other way. You would’ve had a lot to get used to. I did what I thought was best. After we saw each other at the holiday party, it seemed like the right call.”
“At the holiday party? What do you mean? What was best? To lie to me? To hurt me?”
“To protect you. You don’t know what it was like after I got hurt. Things got pretty bad. It’s still not the easiest. It didn’t seem like you—” He shook his head.
“So this is it,” her voice dropped, interrupting him, somber over having her theories verified. “You thought I couldn’t deal.”
“That’s right.”
“Well, aren’t I here now? Dealing just fine?”
“Caleb said you came to apologize. There’s nothing to apologize for. I’m the one who’s sorry. You’ve come for nothing.”
“It’s not nothing. I’ve missed you too. Let’s try again. Pick up from before China.”
He pushed off the bed and stood, peering down at her. “Orchid, stop this crazy talk. Don’t do this.”
“We had something special,” she argued.
“I’m not the same.”
“I’m not either.”
He shook his head and hobbled towards the toilet.
This was her last chance. “The stupid thing is, I fell in love with you and I can’t stop.” She flushed with surprise. Did she say that aloud?
He paused to look at her. His eyes blazed cobalt. “There’s nothing between us. I’m sorry.”
Phoenix limped into the bathroom and shut the door.
The washer chimed its song to indicate the end.The end.
CHAPTER 52
CAUSE AND EFFECT
Orchid
Orchid stumbled up to her room, replaying their exchange.
