Did I? When I’d been planning how to break things off with him, I’d told myself that he might be sad for a short time, but he’d get over me, and it was worth it to save myself pain. But now that I saw him, saw what I’d done to him, I realized my heart hurt more fromhispain than it could from my own.
Surrounded by his friends, he looked so…lonely.
Chad had had a large group of friends, and he went out with them often. He’d always been so outgoing, so charming, it was no wonder he’d attracted the women he’d slept with while I lived with him. But I also remembered the way Chad used to tease me in front of his friends, laugh about me being aball and chain, or dismiss me and my achievements.
Brakkor hadn’t ever done that.
It was impossible to imagine him ever teasing me in front of his friends, or laughing about me.
This is an inconvenient time to realize he might not be the same kind of asshole Chad was.
Frowning, I climbed out of my sedan and began to gather my things. Brakkor called himself an asshole, but really, he was just blunt and brash and didn’t care about social niceties. He wasn’t cruel, wasn’t mean.
You really need to focus. Think about your rash stupidity later.
Right.
With a deep breath, I straightened my shoulders and marched into Town Hall.
“There you are, dear!”
The familiar call had me jerking my head up, glancing about to see—was that akilt? Sure enough, Mr. Frapp was strolling toward me in full Scottish regalia, down to the furry purse thingy hanging down in front of his crotch. Only, the kilt was pink and teal, and I seriously doubted any clan claimed those colors.
“What do you think?” He stuck out a veiny, wrinkled leg and admired his socks. “I had it designed especially for me. I decided the Frapps needed their own tartan.” Then he swayed back and forth, sending his pleats swishing. “I like how freeing it is. Ask me what a true Scotsman wears under his kilt,” he prompted with a wink.
“Uh…” I hugged my laptop to my chest. “I didn’t realize you were Scottish, Mr. Frapp.”
“Augustus, my dear! And I’m not, but that doesn’t mean I can’t be authentic.” He moved to my side and slid his arm through mine. “Now, can I walk you in? I can’t wait to see your presentation and hear where the town is going to agree to put my family’s lighthouse.”
I’d been to his home several times in the last two weeks, each time to discuss logistics and possibilities with him, so he knew what I was going to propose. And I wasn’t quite ready to step inside…
Luckily, Milo chose that moment to bound up to me. “Aunt Jossy, good luck in there!”
I plastered on a fake smile for Mr. Frapp. “Actually, Augustus, I was hoping to have a moment with my best friend to prepare myself.”
“Oh, yes, my dear, I completely understand. Psych yourself up all you need.” He released me and patted Milo on the head as he passed. “Go get them, tiger,et cetera, et cetera.”
“Is your mom around?” I asked Milo when Augustus was out of earshot.
Milo jerked his thumb over his shoulder, then ran off toward where Jay was holding the door to the meeting room. I met Kesha in the middle of the room. She put her hands on my upper arms, took one look at my expression, and said, “Oh, Jocelyn, what’s wrong?”
Really, it’s amazing I managed not to break down when she hugged me. I clung to her and reminded myself that I really was lucky to have her.
“I’ve really enjoyed these last two weeks,” I confessed to her shoulder. “Being able to see you whenever I wanted was just like old times.”
“Oh, hon.” She pressed her cheek to the side of my head. “I love you, but this isn’t about you having to go, is it?”
“Of course it is.” Except, I couldn’t lie to her. “I’m really going to miss—” My voice caught. “I’m going to miss Brakkor too. But it’s for the best.”
Her hand rubbed up and down my spine. “Why? Did he do something wrong?”
“Not yet, but he would.” I took a deep, shuddering breath. “He was starting to say the same things Chad said, remember? About us being together and having a future, and he doesn’t realize it’s just a matter of time until he gets bored with me.”
Kesha was frowning when she set me away from her to study my expression. “Jocelyn, you can’t judge him by what Chad did. Brakkor declaring his love?—”
“Oh,” I interrupted with a forced laugh, “he didn’t do anythingthatserious. But he called me his Mate, like that was supposed to solve everything.”
My best friend opened her mouth, then paused and glanced over my shoulder. To my surprise, she began to flush. I wasn’t sure why…not until I heard the voice of her new marriage-of-convenience husband.
