Page 49 of Fight for Me
“Good, and as a friend, I often like to counsel those in need, even though my advice is rarely good. In fact, if you ask my wife, I’m usually quite wrong. Still, I know Declan, and I don’t believe that he truly wants what he says he does.”
“Which is?”
“To be alone.”
My eyes meet his as he stares at me intently. I have no idea what to say. Maybe it’s the stupid desire in my heart that wants to rebuke him, but then I think about all he’s said and what I heard. He doesn’t want what I do.
“I think you’re wrong, Milo. Declan isn’t alone either, he has his brothers.”
His deep chuckle tells me he doesn’t believe that. “His brothers who live all over the country? Yes, he has them, love, but they’re not the same. He isn’t pining over his brothers or having to fight to avoid them and then calling his friend to walk their property. Hell, he didn’t even ask me to walk his land, which we all know he wants to sell.”
“He called you because he wants me gone. If he can’t leave Sugarloaf, then the next best thing is for me to go.”
Milo puts his hands behind his back as he looks around, seeming to think on what I said. His arms fall back to his sides, and he watches me before speaking. “Men are simple creatures. I promise that he wants you and his pushing you away has nothing to do with anything other than fear. He’s terrified that he won’t be able to keep the walls he’s built around you up for long. You are a beautiful woman who he’s loved most of his life, and now, his excuses to resist you are gone.”
I release a shaky breath, wishing this conversation were different. I don’t want to think about him or resistance because I have neither. All I have right now is self-preservation, and even that is on shaky ground.
“I appreciate your advice, but my life is going down a path that Declan doesn’t want. It’s complicated, and we both have issues that neither of us will be able to move past. The sad reality is that he’s afraid to let himself love anyone and not even I am enough to change that.”
Milo gives me a sad smile. “I hope that maybe you’re wrong about that, darling. However, we’ve been out here for hours and I’m absolutely starving. I’m sure Declan is crawling out of his skin, shall we return and torment him?”
I loop my arm in his. “I would love nothing more.”
We make it back to the house, and Declan jumps up, his eyes darting to Milo and then me. Milo leans closer to me and whispers. “I was right about this.”
I giggle and then shake my head.
“How did the tour go, Bean?” Jimmy asks.
“Good, I think. Milo had a lot of suggestions to make the property more desirable to the type of buyer I want. He was really kind and I ...” I turn to him. “I really appreciate it. Your insight is invaluable.”
He bows just a bit. “It was my pleasure.”
“Don’t you have a plane to catch back to London tomorrow?” Declan asks with a raised brow.
“Don’t be rude to your friend,” I chastise him. “Milo drove all the way out here from New York, and I won’t let you be a jackass in my house.”
Out of the corner of my eye, I catch Milo grinning, but when I turn to him, his smile is gone. “I think he deserves to be punished.”
Declan grumbles under his breath.
“I thought you two were friends.”
Milo leans in and kisses the top of my head. “That was before I spent three hours making his jealous side a bit testy.” He chuckles and then takes a step back. “Settle down, Declan, I was merely enjoying my time with your lovely woman here.”
“I am not his woman,” I correct.
“Yes, well, semantics. I have to go find my wife before she spends all my money in New York. Remember what I said, love, ask for what you want and don’t back down. If a developer comes in, call me, and I’ll do what I do best.”
“Irritate people?” Declan asks.
He flips him off and then walks out the door, leaving me a bit stunned.
“He’s wonderful,” I say with a huge smile.
“He’s something.”
“Thank you, Dec. You have no idea how much he helped me. I really appreciate you calling him to walk the property.”
