Page 79 of Seeing You

“Ten pages,” he murmured.

“Ten pages,” she repeated tightly, “and it bothered you. What I don’t get is why? Did it really bother you because I didn’t tell you? Or did it bother you because I’m having my cake and eating it too?”

“Meaning?”

“Meaning I walked away from the stress and the lifestyle andyou, and I’m freaking killing it. I’m exactly where I want to be, doing what I want to do, and have a big, fat bank account to boot.”

Okay, that was completely accurate.

“Fine, you’ve got it all, but why get up at four in the morning and slave in a kitchen at a coffee shop? I’m not saying you have to go back to finance, but…really? You’re working the least glamorous job I can think of!”

“It’s a labor of love,” she said simply. “Baking brings me joy because I love seeing how much people enjoy what I bake. For a while, I just did it here out of the house—specialty cakes for parties, that sort of thing. When Jade put the ad out for a baker, I saw it as a great opportunity to do what I love all the time.”

“And all the investing? Doesn’t it bother you that your family constantly has their hands out expecting you to finance all of their dreams?”

Looking at him oddly, Billie frowned. “My family doesn’t know anything about my finances because it’s none of their business either. When I see a need, I’m the one to offer, not the other way around. And the way I see it, I’m investing in their dreams because I believe in them. Jade was the only person I ever invested in who wasn’t family. Ultimately, she is now, but back when I made the offer, she was just a friend who I felt needed a little help.”

This was all bizarre to him. “I can’t imagine just throwing money away like that. I get that you’re a damn financial whiz, but…why invest in small businesses? Why not invest in something big? A franchise? A tech company? Maybe if you lived somewhere else, you’d make even more money.”

“Oh my God…do you even hear yourself? You have the worst case of tunnel vision I’ve ever seen! Marcus, there are plenty of people living in small towns all over the country who make substantial money. It’s not only for people living in big cities, and you seriously need to stop being such a damn snob.”

Unfortunately, he was finally getting just how big of an ass he was being.

“And the house?” he quietly asked. “Why live in such a basic house when you can afford a mansion or several houses? I get being practical, but…you know you can do better than this.”

All she did was glare at him.

“Billie…”

“You don’t get it. You never did, and sadly, you never will. Material things never really mattered to me. I used to tell you that all the time, but you didn’t listen. You never saw how uncomfortable I was with the luxurious townhouse and the fancy cars. I never got to enjoy any of it because we had to work all the damn time to maintain that lifestyle. You didn’t see me—the real me. All you saw was the person you wanted me to be. The thing is, all I ever wanted after growing up in a chaotic household with a lot of instability was to have some peace. Now I have it. Maybe to you it’s not wrapped up in a pretty, flashy house, but I don’t need that. I feel sorry for you because, obviously, you do need those things.”

“I don’tneedthem…”

“But youwantthem,” she said, the sad expression back on her face. “I have plans for this house, but I’ve also thought about buying something that was a little more modern. Well, maybe not modern as in newly built, but there are some great older homes that are bigger and have great character that I see and can sometimes imagine myself living in. Ultimately, I kept hoping and praying when I found the right guy, we’d make that decision together and find something we both loved—a place where we’d raise our family.” Tears shone in her eyes. “I still have faith that it’s going to happen for me. That’s my dream.”

Moving closer, her name came out like a tortured plea.

“And that’s why we’ll never work. Our dreams and goals for the future are similar, but they’re also very far apart. You need a woman who is as career-oriented as you are—someone whose only ambition is to be whatever you want her to be.” Pausing, she turned her head to wipe away tears. When she faced him again, the look on her face nearly broke him. “I want a man who loves me for me. Someone who doesn’t belittle my accomplishments or feel threatened by them. I want a partner, not an adversary.”

Marcus wanted to tell her he could be all those things if she could just be patient with him.

Ultimately, however, he knew it wasn’t fair to ask. And after his behavior—especially today—he didn’t think she’d be open to that proposition.

Right now, he could kick himself for the way he reacted to seeing her bank statement. Hell, he wanted to kick himself for invading her privacy. He accused her of not trusting him, but…he’d never given her a reason to trust him. So instead of standing here and arguing with her anymore and causing her any more grief, he knew it was time to go.

He watched the look of utter shock on her face as he closed the distance between them, cupped her face in his hands, and kissed her lips softly.

“I’m sorry, Billie. For everything. And I do mean…everything—back then and now.” Letting out a shaky breath, he studied her face. “I’m so sorry I hurt you and how I was too stubborn to take any responsibility for the things that were wrong in our relationship. You deserve to be happy and to have every one of your dreams come true. I’m not going to stand in your way.” He kissed her one last time. “I love you.” Then he took a step back. “Be happy.”

It would have been great if he could have just walked out the door, but he was only partially dressed and needed to get his things from her bedroom. When he came back out a few minutes later, she was exactly where he’d left her.

“Have a good life, love,” he said quietly before walking out the door.

It was over and it was for the best.

For both of them.

He just wished it didn’t hurt so damn much and that he hadn’t been the one to ruin everything.

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