“Thanks Daisy, I needed that.”
“You definitely did. You were so stiff.”
“You’re the only one that can give me some relief.”
“You said before I have magic hands.”
“Yeah, like an angel’s touch. Thanks for coming round.”
“Anytime. Let me know when you’re free again, and we’ll set another date up.”
“Sure will. I won’t leave it so long next time.”
The bedroom door handle creeks and out steps a slim brunette. “Oh, you must be Cam. Hi, I’m Daisy.”
She holds her hand out to shake mine, but I just stand there. She tucks her hand in her pocket. “Gray’s just getting dressed. Nice to meet you.”
She walks out the door, leaving me in the living room with nothing but the sound of my thumping heart pulsing in my throat.
I won’t cry. I saw this coming. He deserves a second chance at happiness, even if it’s not with me. He must really love this woman to have got a tattoo for her. There’s no denying she’s beautiful. Gosh, why does she have to be so beautiful?
Gray walks out of the bedroom, pulling a t-shirt on over his head. “You okay?” He’s acting as though nothing’s happened. Does he expect me to sleep in the bed after he’s just been in there with her?
Tears prickle in my throat, and I’m snapped out of my frozen trance. “No, I’m not okay. You’re disgusting.”
“What have I done?” He glances back at the bedroom and points to the door. “Daisy? Oh, you met Daisy, huh?” He chuckles like this is funny. “You think—” He shakes his head, but doesn’t finish his sentence. “Well, I spoke to your boyfriend this afternoon, so I guess we’re even.”
“I don’t have a boyfriend.”
“Well, some douche named Declan wants to know when you’re coming home.” He grabs a bottle of beer from the fridge.
“Who?”
“Yeah. Don’t worry, I told him you wouldn’t be long. I even packed your bags for you.” He points to the wall next to the tin of paint that still hasn’t been opened and sure enough, my suitcase is packed with all my stuff.
“Are you drunk?”
“A little. You should try it sometime, might relax that stiff upper lip.”
“You’re a dickhead. I can’t believe I ever liked you.” I stomp over to the corner of the room, clutch the handle of my case, and open the door.
“Yeah, well, you’re not the girl I thought you were, but I’m not a complete dickhead. I asked Lark if she’d find space for you at the Sugar Plum Inn, seeing as she’s gonna be the one buying you out.”
My heart drops further into my stomach. “You didn’t get the loan?”
He drops onto the coach using the coffee table to flip the lid of his bottle. “Nope. I’m not a good enough investment, apparently.”
“No, you’re not.” I swallow the prickling tears and walk down the stairs, my case thudding on every step. My heart aches for him. He’s worth every penny, but I’m too hurt to tell him that right now. I would have invested everything I had in him, given him my share and handed over myself on a saucer if he wanted me.
I don’t even know who Declan is, but if he means Derek, I wouldn’t have him back if you paid me. He’s deranged if he thinks I’m going home to him, but Gray didn’t deserve my explanation. He was already planning this date with Daisy the other day. Using me for a bit of fun in the meantime and as soon as the love of his life seems interested, he drops me like a hot teapot.
Was he using me to make her jealous? Whatever his game, it’s worked. “I’m leaving, Glory. I’ll be at the inn if you need me until I can get a flight home.”
“I knew you wouldn’t stick around.” She corners the counter, ringing up the till as though I’m not even here.
“Tell Julian I’ll say goodbye before I leave for good.”
“Sure.” She doesn’t look at me and turns around to pour drinks.
