Page 40 of Rematch
“Will you at least consider my invitation to dinner?”
She shook her head.
“Just as friends,” he quickly added. “I won’t bring any of this up again.”
It was too late for that offer, because there was no coming back from what he’d said. Not for her. Friendship was her bottom line, and he’d made it very clear he was hoping for more.
“I can’t do dinner with you.”
Rick fell silent, which wasn’t exactly a good thing. She could practically see the wheels spinning, which meant his courtroom lawyer brain was calculating the best way to get what he wanted. So she could expect to be subjected to relentless texting, well-thought-out arguments, or, worst of all, pressure from their mothers.
Because while she’d stupidly thought Rick was okay with them just being friends, his mother, Angie, had made it obvious she was not fine with that relationship status, both subtly and not so subtly pushing for a reconciliation. She was still determined to see her baby married to Mom’s, even after all the shit that went down. Mom wasn’t actively pushing for that, but she wasn’t exactly discouraging Rick’s drop-by visits.
“I hope you’ll change your mind.”
She wouldn’t change her mind, but she was all about the path of least resistance right now because it really was fucking cold out here.
So, she said nothing.
From this point forward, she would avoid Rick like the plague…somehow.
Rick leaned toward her again, but this time she was prepared, taking a big step back while shooting him a warning look.
He took the hint, not pushing his luck. “I’ll text you later.”
She nodded, wondering what kind of fallout she could expect if she blocked his number again. She’d been an idiot to unblock it in October. She’d clearly been stupid about everything in regards to Rick.
He gave a quick wave of farewell and walked away.
Turning toward the front of the bakery, she looked at the sign, recalling how excited she’d been when she saw it this morning for the first time. Now, it was sullied, ruined by her idiot ex-fiancé.
She smiled gratefully when Ethan came outside with her coat.
It wasn’t until she’d pulled it on that she noticed Ethan’s dark scowl. “Did that fucker kiss you?”
Chelsea closed her eyes wearily. “I hoped you hadn’t seen that. Yes. He did. I gave an inch with the forgiveness/friendship bullshit, and now he’s trying to take the mile.”
“I told you when he started sniffing around in July he wanted you back.”
Ethan had, but at the time, Chelsea had thought the idea ridiculous, certain she’d never even speak to the asshole again.
“You’re perfectly justified to say ‘I told you so,’” she muttered.
It spoke to just how good a friend Ethan was that he didn’t take any pleasure in being right. “I’m sorry, Cupcake. I know there’s a lot of pressure from your families, but Rick burned the bridge between you with his actions. I don’t think it’s possible to be friends.”
“You’re right. It’s not. I’ve been an idiot.”
Ethan grinned and wrapped his arm around her shoulders, tugging her close. “Nope. You are a sweet person, who always sees the best in people. It’s why I love you.”
She appreciated the compliment. Then Ethan went on to add, “You’re also currently sleep-deprived and stressed to the max, so you’re working with half a brain.”
“Less than half,” she grumbled.
“This is why I’ve had to stick around all this time. You need my jaded cynicism, astute observations, keen insights, and fully functioning brain to keep you safe.”
She laughed, soaking up a few more seconds of Ethan’s warm hug before stepping away. “Where would I be without your brilliance?”
“Luckily, you’ll never have to find out because I’m true blue. Yours for life.”
