“Have I shown you how much I love you yet?”
“Please, Finn, no more. It hurts too much.”
He swallows and steps back. The loss of his body on mine is cold. “Hurting you is the last thing I want to do.”
“Then leave me be. I need to move on.”
“But you just kissed me back. You feel it too, I know you do. You know we have a connection.”
“That was a kiss goodbye, Finn. We’re from different worlds.” I muster the strength to press the button on the elevator. An arrow flashes down and we continue our descent in silence. I can’t look him in the eye. If I do, I’m afraid I’ll give in to him again.
Chapter Twenty-One
FINN
Ifollow Shelly out of the town council building with a gaping hole in my heart where a seed of hope bloomed.
Chin up and looking ahead, she crosses the road, ignoring the street behind her along with me and our history.
I rub at my chest, slump down on a bench nearby, and bury my head in my palms, knowing I’ve blown it. There’s nothing here for me now. My father probably hates me after ruining his plans with the development. And now Shelly wants nothing to do with me. I’d hoped she’d have come around after giving her some space.
Maybe she’s right. We’re from different worlds. But that’s why I liked her. As hot as she looked today in her green pencil skirt and suit jacket, I love her carefree style. The way she wears no makeup, showing the freckles on her nose, her hair blowing in the salty breeze.
My father bellows as he exits the building. “What the hell was that?”
I lift my head, not really caring what my father thinks or says at this point. My world is crumbling around me. I’ve always been so sure of everything and myself, and now I feel like I’m missing a limb. It’s her. She was an extension of me, my strength, and someone who believed in me.
My father towers over me. “That stunt you pulled back there has probably lost us the planning approval.” He runs his fingers through his greying hair. “Do you know how much kissing ass I’ve done since your behaviour at the country club?”
I stand, inhaling a deep breath to summon the strength I need. I could do with summoning my spirit animal, but I’m unsure of what that is right now. All I know is that with Shelly by my side, I was invincible. “I love her, Dad.”
“Next month, it will be someone else. This is business. You can’t let a woman cloud your mind. We have millions of dollars riding on this deal. The luxury holiday apartments would bring so much more business to the town. My plans will do more for the people and small businesses of this town than some bloody turtles.”
“This town doesn’t need more tourists. Can’t you see? People come here because they love the quaint small town vibe. Its tranquil setting is what appeals. You think it’s going to stay that way with more tourists?”
“Three months ago, you were all for this venture. You meet some beach babe and now you’re an expert on Magnolia Point.”
I roll my eyes. Like with everything else in my life, I’ve learnt that there’s no point arguing with my father. He doesn’t budge unless there’s some benefit for him.
“Back to the office now. We need to figure out the best course of action and sort out this mess you’ve made.”
“No.” The sun beats down on me, but it’s not the weather that’s making me sweat as much as it is my father’s hard stare.
“What do you mean, no?” His blue eyes that match my own turn to steel.
“If you’re set on this development, I want no part of it.”
“Fine, I’ll put you in charge of something else. You clearly don’t have what it takes for this one.”
“I meant I don’t want any part of the business.”
“You’re quitting?” His fists dig into his sides. “I didn’t think I raised a quitter.”
“You didn’t raise me. Mum did. And I’m not quitting. I’m going to pursue my dream.”
He huffs. “I didn’t spend all that money on your education for you to waste it painting pretty pictures.”
“I don’t expect you to agree or understand. But you should respect that this is my life and I must do what’s right for me. I love you, Dad, but some things I can’t agree on. There’s more to life than making money.”
