And once again, Trent had the uncanny ability of picking up on my innermost feelings. “Did he ask you to walk away?” the question was quiet but the disbelief behind it, an indication he already knew the answer.
“He doesn’t believe I can make him happy.”
“Why?”
I looked at him, my laugh just short of caustic. “That there is the million-dollar question. You would think that being married to the man for a while, I would know him. Honestly, I don’t.” I sighed. “Would you believe I don’t even know what he does for a living?”
Trent didn’t look surprised, and I wondered if he knew something that I didn’t. “Do you want me to speak to him?”
“No.”
“Do you think he has feelings for you?”
“I would be lying if I said yes with conviction.” I fidgeted with my nails, remembering the confrontation. “You should’ve seen him, Trent. He’s one of the most put-together men I know, but today, he looked so...” I searched my brain for the right word. “Unhinged. Like whatever he was telling me was lies. I didn’t want to believe him, I couldn’t. Maybe I’m just reading too much into this whole thing and Zayne is only pushing me away because he is in love with this other woman he mentioned.”
“Do you have feelings for him?”
I wasn’t expecting that question and when our eyes met, I wasn’t sure if what I read in his was distress or understanding, perhaps a bit of both. My heart somersaulted at the possibility of breaking the hearts of two men within hours of each other.
“I can’t answer that, Trent, I’m sorry.”
To my surprise, he laughed. “I wouldn’t expect you not to, sweetheart. The man was a stranger when he found you and he gave you a second chance at life. I don’t think there are many men out there who can pull that off, myself included.”
Wow. “That was unexpected.”
“It’s the truth.” He moved closer. “Falling in love isn’t easy, Ash. At times it can drive us crazy and makes us do irrational things. Sometimes those that tread the path of love, never find their goals or they gain nothing, but pain. Still, love is something we can never truly understand, no matter how hard we believe we can. But how it makes us feel, will determine whether we survive it or not.” He sighed. “Does that make sense?” I nodded. He cupped my face, dropping a soft kiss to my lips. “I’m not sure what I can say to make this right for you but if you’re up for it, come home with me. Use it as time to decide your next step. If you feel you want to return to your life with Zayne, I’ll bring you back, no questions asked. Just give me a chance to show you that I can give you the life you need.”
I shifted from one foot to the other. Whichever way I looked at it, this situation would never get easier. The safest option was to walk away, frombothof them. Zayne had already made his intention clear. Why then could I not just take Trent up on his offer? See where it led. My heart, however, was adamant that Zayne deserved a fair chance. I had to give him time. What then? If Zayne laid bare his feelings what would become of Trent? Undoubtedly, there was nothing but heartache at the end of this journey. Someone would end up getting hurt.
“Ash?” Trent touched my shoulder. “You okay?”
“Would you mind if I took a raincheck? I don’t think I’m ready for anything other than solitude right now.” What I didn’t say was that Zayne had broken a little bit of my spirit today, and I wasn’t prepared to lose anymore. “Every new emotion is a first to me, I have to learn how to handle it if I am to survive.” On my own.
“When you’re ready.” He dropped a light kiss to my brow. “Join me for dinner?” My expression must’ve conveyed my feelings. Before I could answer, he smiled. “Raincheck?”
I nodded. “I won’t be the company you deserve.” I kissed his cheek. “I’ll call you.”
As I walked to the door, Trent called out, “Ash?” I turned. “I don’t allow the people I love to wallow in self-pity for too long. Three days max, sweetheart.”
Love and an ultimatum in the same statement, what more could I ask for from a man who’d dominated my body and by the looks of things my heart pretty soon. His phone rang and he held up a hand, signaling me to wait.
“Neha?” I picked up on the tenderness in his voice. “Yes, baby.”
I was suddenly wary. Was he talking to his ex-wife? He did mention they were still friends, judging by his expression, very good friends. Even as a prick of jealousy stung my heart, I had to acknowledge one fact. If he treated his ex in that manner, how would he treat a new woman in his life?
Sighing, I let myself out the door and requested an Uber. When I walked out of the building, Jenson stood next to his car, waiting.
He opened the door as I approached him. “I did say I’d call.”
“Got a call from the boss, said to make sure I become your shadow.” His countenance showed he wasn’t about to take no for an answer so I should quit objecting before I even began. If Zayne’s phone call wasn’t an indication of his feelings, then my name wasn’t Ashrika Morrone.
