Page 34 of Defending her Heart

“Meeting him for tea isn’t caving. If anything, it’ll give him the opportunity to grovel.”

“How so?”

“Sounds like guilt has been eating at him. That’s a good sign. Narcissists don’t feel guilt.”

“I don’t think he’s a narcissist.”

“That’s not what you said the other night.”

“I was half a bottle of wine deep and had been soaking in my tub for over an hour.”

“Hm. Okay. Well, I vote for hearing him out, then give yourself time to process. There’s no need to rush into forgiving him or making a plan for a second date. Listen without arguing. Leave and see what he does next.”

“There can’t be a second date if there was never a first. And listen without arguing? Have you met me?”

Rowan snorts. “Exactly.”

“Is that what you’d do?” Of course it is. Rowan doesn’t argue. She doesn’t vie for the center of attention or need to get the last word in. She’s the peacemaker. The one who sees the situation from both sides.

“You wouldn’t be so worked up over his words if you didn’t feel something for him. Despite the assery he’s inflicted upon you, I like him.”

“Of course you do. You like everyone.”

“Not true. I hate Jason. But if Nash proves to be of the same caliber as your ex, I’ll loathe him too.”

“Loathe.” I shiver. “Such cruel words from your sweet mouth.”

“I’m starting my shift. Text me later with a report. I’ll respond when I can. Love you.”

“Love you too. Thanks, Row.”

I slide my phone in my purse and pull on my coat. Hopefully, the tea is hot and burns my tongue before I can snap at Nash. I repeat Rowan’s words over and over as I cross the street to the tea shop.

Listen without arguing. Listen without arguing. Listen without arguing.

The bell above the door chimes as I enter, and the warm, comforting smell of orange, spices, and black tea greet me. Soft music plays, but the thump of my heartbeat fills my ears and drowns out most of the noise.

Most of the tables are taken and I scan across them until I find Nash tucked in a back corner. Two twenty-something women hover around him, holding up their cell phones and taking selfies. The smile on Nash’s face is strained. Not that I’ve been on the receiving end of a genuine one, but it’s nothing like the smiles he gives his daughter.

When he notices me, he says something to the women, who drag themselves away from him. Before I make my way to the table, a young couple stops by to talk to him.

“Wow. It’s so cool to meet you, Nash Humphries. Can my wife and I take a picture with you?”

I wouldn’t call bombarding his tablemeetinghim, but everyone’s so starstruck they don’t even realize how pathetic they’re being.

“My, uh...” Nash flicks his gaze to me then returns it to the couple. “Friend is here now. If you don’t mind...”

Not taking the hint, they unlock their phones and struggle to get the right angle.

“I can take it for you if you’d like.” I take off my coat and drape it over the chair across from Nash, letting the couple know I’m thefriend.

“That would be so cool.” They hardly give me a glance before making a Nash sandwich.

I snap a few pictures then give them their phone. They scurry off to their table and I hear hushed whispers from patrons around us.

“I’m sorry for the intrusions. I would have worn a hat to hide myself if I knew we were going to meet somewhere.”

“It’s fine.”

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