Page 119 of Vacation Friends

That was his way of saying that he wanted to get married, right?

She wanted to squeal at the thought.

Wrapping a sheet around her, she crept out of bed toward the bathroom door. But before she opened it, Garrick’s voice rang out on the other side.

Who was he talking to? He must be on the phone, she realized. That was the only thing that made sense.

He’d promised to try to stay away from work. But it appeared he hadn’t been able to resist. Go figure.

She started to head back to the bed and not interrupt him. It didn’t seem nearly as romantic to surprise him in the bathroom now that she knew he was talking to one of his colleagues.

But before she stepped away, part of the conversation drifted to her.

“I know,” Garrick said. “I’m sorry about all these work trips. I promise, it won’t be like this forever.”

Wait. Was that something that he would say to a colleague?

The thought left a bad feeling in her belly.

Then he said, “I love you too.”

Cecilia’s heart beat faster. No . . .

Before she could get back to the bed, the door opened, and Garrick stepped out. His eyes widened when he saw her.

“I’m sorry,” she stuttered, taking a step back. “I was going to surprise you, and I didn’t realize that you were on the phone.”

His gaze looked heavier than usual. “I was trying not to wake you.”

What should she say? Should she confront him?

How could she not? Especially after what she’d heard.

He’d told somebody he loved them.

There was no need to pretend that she hadn’t heard.

“Are you cheating on me?” The words sounded raw as they left Cecilia’s lips.

“Cheating on you?” His voice hardened. “What are you talking about?”

“I heard part of your conversation. Don’t try to deny it.”

He gripped her arms, harder than she’d expected. “You shouldn’t eavesdrop, Cecilia.”

“Like I said, I didn’t mean to. It was just that?—”

“I was talking to my mom,” he told her.

All the tension seemed to leave her body in a whoosh.

Her cheeks reddened.

His mom?

Of course. It made perfect sense. She should have known. But she’d jumped to conclusions . . .

She was so foolish.

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