“And I understand why he pushes people away. What I don’t understand is why you’re here.”
“Please give him another chance.”
She laughed, a sound that was bitter even to her own ears. “Darian was very clear that he wasn’t interested in seeing me ever again.”
“Is that why he’s been moping around the house like someone died?”
“He’ll get over it,” she said, trying not to care that he was suffering, too.
“Like you have?”
“Good-bye, Jenny.” She rose to her feet.
“No, wait. Look, I’m sorry if I crossed a line. I’ve got something for you.”
Allison waited by the table, watching as Jenny rummaged through her bag.
“Here,” she said, holding out an envelope.
Frowning, she took the cream paper and ripped open the seal. An invitation waited inside.
“You can’t be serious.”
“I think you and my brother need to talk,” she said. “But I also think you deserve to be at my wedding. You put it all together. Come and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Truly, I want you there.”
“This isn’t a good idea.”
“It’s bad luck to contradict a bride.”
“You made that up.”
“Sue me.”
Sighing, she stared down at the invite. “I appreciate the gesture.”
“Good. I look forward to seeing you there.”
“Jenny—”
“At least think about it.”
She hesitated a moment before inclining her head.
“Thanks.” But the smile slid off Jenny’s face as her attention transferred to something over Allison’s shoulder.
Slowly she turned to see the last man she wanted to set eyes on.
Darian looked impeccable as always. Her eyes were drawn to the blue scarf tossed over his neck. It was a physical pain to see him still wearing it.
“My apologies,” he said. “I was meeting my sister.”
“We’re finished.” She grabbed the box of chocolates from the table. “Thanks for the gift, Jenny. Good luck on Saturday.”
“Please think about what I said,” she replied. “I really do want you there.”
Stepping around Darian, Allison locked her gaze on the nearest exit.
“Wait. Please.” A hand caught her arm, freezing her in place. For a moment she closed her eyes. His touch revived cells she hadn’t even realized were crying out for him. But giving in to such pleasure was a sure path to madness.
Shaking off his grip, she pressed forward.
“Ali.”
The soft word skewered her like a blade. Taking a deep breath, she rotated to face him, telling herself to stand strong.
“You are not my boss or my boyfriend, Mr. King,” she said, gratified when her voice didn’t shake. “You have no right to my time.”
Head held high, she strode from the café before he could call her back again.
…
Watching her walk away from him ripped apart the already gaping wound in his chest. It was a sight he’d never wanted to see, and here he was, treated to it twice.
“Sure, you’re over her,” his sister scoffed.
He gazed down at Jenny. “What did you do?”
“That woman planned my wedding,” she replied. “The very least I could do was thank her in person.”
“And that was all?”
She shrugged. “I also asked her to give you another chance.”
“Jenny.”
“Plus I invited her to the wedding.”
He closed his eyes, running his fingers through his hair. “You’re meddling.”
“Damn straight,” she replied. “If our positions were reversed you’d do the same.” She stood, swinging her purse over her shoulder. “You’ve always swooped in the second I needed you. My whole life I knew I had you in my corner. Let me return the favor, Dare. You need someone to help you fight right now.”
“She made her choice.”
Her hand touched his arm. “She left the company,” Jenny said. “But I can tell you right now, that woman wouldn’t have left you if you hadn’t forced her out the door.”
The words were like sandpaper over raw nerves.
“I’m not the right man for her.” She deserved someone who could love her the way she should be loved. Someone who could offer her the family she wanted and the life she craved.
Someone who didn’t come to her broken.
“We don’t always end up with the person who’s right for us in theory,” his sister said.
“She deserves better.”
Jenny stepped around in front of him. “And what about what you deserve?” she asked. “You live in a house that’s perfect for a family and yet, you’ve never made any moves to get one.”