Page 40 of Saint

“She went back to her cottage,” said Marilisa, looking at him.

“Oh.”

“You could speak to her, you know. It might help the situation.”

“There isn’t a situation,” he frowned.

“Yes, there is. Can you even imagine what she’s feeling right now? She’s the clone, Brax. She’s the potential crazy duplicate in this story. She’s terrified that she might end up like that woman.”

“She’s not crazy. There’s nothing crazy about her.”

“Yes, there is. She honestly believes if she waits, you’ll have feelings for her. I think that’s crazy. But what do I know.” Marilisa turned and walked away from him. Saint and Pax stood in front of him.

“Brother, you’re gonna lose her,” said Pax.

“You can’t lose something you don’t have,” said Brax.

“God, you’re an idiot,” laughed Saint. “Have you learned nothing from me? Marilisa was interviewing for other jobs when I finally got my head out of my ass. Stephanie is wanting to do that same thing once this issue is settled. She’s willing to put herself out there in the world, alone without our protection, just to not have to see your face running from her every day.”

“I don’t run from her,” he mumbled.

“Yes. You do. You’re doing it right now.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

Stephanie poured herself a glass of iced tea and sat on her front porch, rocking as she looked out at the bayou slowly moving past her. She loved being near the water.

Mav and Katelyn were just two cottages over with a water view as well. She would go and have dinner in a little while, but for now, she needed the quiet.

“Why did you leave?” She turned to see Brax’s face and swallowed, shaking her head.

“You know why.”

“No. I don’t. I wouldn’t be asking if I knew why.”

“Are you kidding me? You were so uncomfortable with me in your space you couldn’t even look at me,” she said, standing on the porch. Brax swallowed, looking at her beautiful, tanned legs and swinging bob haircut. “You made sure that you were gone before I got up in the morning. You made sure that you came home after I was asleep at night. You avoided me at every moment of every day, Brax. Do you have any fucking idea how that made me feel?”

“I-I didn’t mean to make you feel any sort of way,” he whispered.

“Yes, you did. And you succeeded. I wasn’t welcome in your cottage at all. You did it as a favor for someone, and you regretted it almost immediately. I get it. I was cramping your style.” She set the iced tea down and started down her steps. “Well, good news, Brax. You have your house back. All to yourself. I’m in my own space, and I’m just fine.”

“They said you were interviewing or thinking about it.” She looked at him as she stopped on the stairs leading to her home.

“It’s none of your business. If I leave, or if I stay doesn’t matter to you. You’ve made that painfully clear. Just leave me alone, Brax. You’ve done enough damage.”

She tried to walk past him and head toward the grove, but he gripped her arm so hard she winced from the pain.

“I didn’t mean to cause you any harm or damage. I was trying to protect you,” he said, lessening his hold on her.

“Protect me? Or protect you?” she said, staring up at him. Brax looked into her big eyes, seeing the tears threatening to spill, and it was gutting him.

“I’m not good for you, Stephanie.” She laughed at him, shaking her head.

“That’s your response? After everything we’ve been through, everything that’s happened, your response is, ‘I’m not good for you’? Fine. You’re not good for me. I get it. Then stay away from me until I can find another job, Brax. I’m tired of you making me feel inferior. I’m tired of you ignoring me, avoiding me as if I had some sickness or disease. Just leave me alone.”

He pulled her arm again, forcing her body against his own.

“I can’t do that either.”

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