TEN
JUSTIN SIGHED ONE LONGexasperated breath and ran his fingers through his hair. “Yes.”
“You’re, Justin... Monroe? The same man engaged to my cousin?”
“Correct again. I was engaged to Robin.”
Tears swam in Brooke’s eyes, her lips quivering. “You – you – lied to me?”
He squeezed his eyes closed and swore softly. Looking at her, he shook his head. “I didn’t lie to you. I just didn’t tell you my last name.”
“Why?” her voice rose.
“Because at first it didn’t matter, then once we got to talking, I didn’t want to tell you because then I knew you wouldn’t open up to me.”
“That’s a stupid excuse, Justin.”
Inwardly he growled and grasped her wrist, but she pulled it free again. “Brooke, will you just listen?”
“Listen to a liar? No, I’m done listening to you. I’m done being fooled by all men!”
“Brooke, please understand, I didn’t tell you the truth because I wanted you to get to know me. Therealme – not the fiancé of a Robin Pierpont. Believe me, they are two different people.”
“Believe you?” She laughed forcefully. “You really want me to believe you? I don’t think so, Mr. Monroe.”
Closing his eyes, he rubbed his forehead. “Oh, Brooke. Tell me what I need to do to make this up to you.” He looked at her. Sadness coated her expression and tugged on his heart. “I’m so sorry. If I could take it all back, I would. I would do things a lot differently.”
Silence lasted a few moments as liquid filled her eyes. “My cousin is going to marry you,” she said softly.
He lifted his eyebrows and cocked his head. “Tell me, Brooke, how is that possible? I left her at the wedding rehearsal, remember?”
“But you also told me she would take you back because she never gives up on what she wants.”
He shrugged. “She’d take me back if I wanted to go back. I don’t. Not for all the money in the world.” He held out his arms, hoping she’d come back into his embrace and cuddle next to him like before. “Brooke, come here.”
She shook her head, tears streaming from her eyes. He hated seeing her like this; hated knowing he made her like this.
“Let me hold you and prove to you Robin means nothing to me.” His voice softened. “Robin never did. Our marriage was arranged by my mother. Our parents knew each other, which is how I met Robin. We were going out even before I knew I was dating her. My mother bought the engagement ring, not me. I was never in love with Robin.”
She sniffed. “Then why did you go along with the wedding?”
“We have the same lifestyle. Her family is wealthy and so is mine. My mother decided that if we married, it would increase our holdings. Also, since my father’s death, my life has been a whirlwind of emotions.” He shrugged. “I’ve tried to run an oil company, I’ve tried to settle business affairs, plus keep up with my mother’s social life – or the life she wants me to have. I wanted a wife and family, but I didn’t have the time, which is why my mother did everything for me.”
“But, Justin, Robin still wants you. I know she does, and she won’t let anything stop her, especially not the cousin she hates so much.”
Pain shot through his chest and he cursed himself for not being fully honest with her. “Brooke, please come here.”
