Page 12 of A Prince for Christmas

“I guess so.”

There was no way to make it sound better than it was, and it was truly awful.

Nick sat down in the booth beside me, his warm thigh pressing against mine. He slid his arm around my shoulders. “That wanker doesn’t deserve you. You’ve never wavered from defending him since I came to Boseman. And I don’t believe I’ve done anything untoward to make him think that.”

All of that was true, and I nodded my head as more tears came.

He pulled me closer, and the safety I felt allowed me to shed a few more tears.

Then he dropped a bombshell.

“Of course, he’s partially right. I’d never interfere in a relationship. But if you hadn’t been in one, you’re the only girl who’s caught my eye since I’ve been here.”

CHAPTER 5

After I’d eaten and called down, Nick cancelled moved me to my favorite spot—the lone barstool and the far end of the bar. He was supposed to be working the dining room, but after a discussion with Tiffany, who was tending bar that night, she headed for the dining room and he took over the bar. I knew Mr. McGregor wouldn’t care, as long as the customers were served, but I wondered what he’d had to offer her to get her to switch places, since bartending was the plum assignment.

Of course, Monday bartending wasn’t exactly something to fight about.

After he’d made sure that all the customers at the bar were served, he came over and leaned on the bar, his face just a few inches from mine. His blue eyes were dark with concern.

“You hanging in there, Em?”

“I’m just so embarrassed,” I admitted. I could still feel the pink in my cheeks.

“Nothing to be embarrassed about. You weren’t the one who made an ass of yourself,” Nick said, reaching across the bar to pat my hand. “Besides, he’d have to be daft to think you’d cheat on him. I’ve known you for all of a month and I already know you’re not the type.”

“Thanks,” I muttered. It was true. I had flaws like everyone, but I didn’t have it in me to be duplicitous.

“Neither of us did anything wrong,” Nick said firmly. “No need for embarrassment then.”

“You’re right…” I let my voice trail off, but I couldn’t forget his last words in the dining room. I pushed the thought down.

“So here’s what’s going to happen,” Nick said with his usual confidence as he straightened up. “You’re going to have a nice drink, and when it slows down a bit, Tiffany and Elma are going to finish out the night while I walk you home.”

“Oh, that’s not necessary,” I protested, even more embarrassed that everyone was being drawn into my stupid personal drama.

“Of course it is. We all agree that Fred was drunk and asinine. He could be waiting for you to cause another scene back at yours.”

“All right,” I agreed with a tentative smile. “I probably do need a companion to walk me home tonight. Thank you for offering.”

While he worked the bar, pausing whenever there was a break to chat and offer moral support, I considered how I’d reacted to Fred dumping me.

Embarrassment—I hated being the centerpiece of an embarrassing scene.

Then, alarm. In all my life, that was the first time a man had put his hand on me in anger. My hand went to feel the spot where he’d grabbed me, and I found it sore to the touch. I’d probably have a bruise tomorrow.

Finally, anger. No one had the right to put their hands on me like that. The anger felt good, hot and expanding. And right. No one deserved what he’d done. If he’d do that in a public place, what would have happened if I had angered him when no one was around?

Okay, I was probably being dramatic. I knew Fred well. He’d had too much to drink, and he’d gotten out of control. I didn’t think he was dangerous—but he was definitely a total jerk who had crossed the line.

Sitting at the bar, sipping on a chardonnay Nick had brought me, I searched my emotions to try and find heartbreak, sorrow, or even a little regret.

The only regret I could find was regret that I’d wasted a year and a half with such a clown. Beyond that, there was a tiny blossom of… hope? Relief? I wasn’t sure, but it was more pleasant than any feelings I’d had for Fred in awhile.

On the short walk home, I let Nick slip his hand around my shoulder and help me balance on the ice that covered parts of the sidewalk. When we arrived at my apartment, we made sure Fred wasn’t around. I didn’t think he’d come to apologize or to start more trouble, and I was right this time. There was no sign of my now ex-boyfriend.

“Well, I guess I’m safe,” I said, smiling up at Nick. “Thanks for walking me home.”