Page 47 of Hers to Marry
His therapist had told him to stop finishing that sentence. If he had kept blaming himself, he never would’ve gotten out of the hole—and he didn’t want to go back in.
She nodded. “I understand,” she said softly. She gazed up at him, moisture filling her eyes.
“I don’t want your pity.”
“I don’t. I don’t pity you.” Again her hands squeezed him, and she came in closer. “I’mproudof you. I’m proud you fought through those feelings. I’m proud you chose to stay. The world would be that much more bleak if it lost both of you so soon. And I’m grateful I got to see you again,” she ended in a whisper.
He looked away, his own eyes burning with tears behind them. He cleared his throat and continued. “Her generosity has really helped the company. We were able to get other investors, and now we’re self-sufficient.”
“Okay. You don’t feel obligated. You don’t owe her anything.”
“Yeah, well, I kind of do.”
Her brows made a V shape. “What do you owe her?”
Making things work with her? Being as supportive as he could of her career goals—and he had always been. “She’s been really stressed lately, and I want to be there for her.”
“You are. You’re taking dance lessons.”
He smirked. “I’m going to murder her feet.”
“No, you won’t. Just don’t talk any heavy subjects when she’s in your arms.”
“Done. Thanks for the advice.”
She smiled tenderly. “I’m really happy for you, Drew. I’m glad your business is thriving and that…that you’re back and you’re going to live here. Even though I’m sure we won’t see each other very much.”
“You planning on going anywhere?”
She shrugged. “Maybe. I lost the space. The one I showed you the other day? Marcus bought it.”
Drew shook his head. “That guy… He’s like a piranha.”
“I might try going elsewhere… Maybe find an apprenticeship somewhere and increase my skills.”
“What about Parker’s offer to work for her?”
Her face shadowed in pain. “After what happened yesterday, I figured it’s probably best that I not hang around after the wedding.”
His heart went cold inside his chest. He understood why she’d feel that way. It hadn’t been easy patching things up with Parker, although getting the news about the promotion did a lot to save their engagement. She’d gone from mad to elated. If she hadn’t received the notice right then, Drew was certain he wouldn’t be dancing with Kat now.
His gaze drifted to her neckline. He felt that she actually did have half his heart, and Parker the other half.
He tried to stop the rush of the chill from traveling down his spine. The feeling was uncomfortable, seeping into his stomach and causing it to clench uncontrollably. Kat was right: she shouldn’t be around Parker or him after the wedding.
He had never strayed before, and he didn’t want to start now.
