Page 142 of The Holiday Clause
He stared back at the television where Bella sobbed in abandonment and guilt choked him. Was that what it had been like for Wren?
He never imagined her missing him that much, but whenever he came back from his long trips at sea, she always welcomed him with cold fury. The realization hit him like a physical blow. He was as bad as Edward, disappearing without explanation, leaving her to wonder if he’d ever come back.
He took her hand and squeezed. “I’m sorry.”
She frowned. “For what?”
He shook his head, unsure if she even thought of those times anymore. “Not telling you what was in my head.”
Her smile looked sad. “You’re getting better at sharing your feelings.”
“I’m trying.”
The plot on the screen thickened. Edward needed to get back to Forks and do something about Wolf-Boy. “He better handle that dog sniffing around his territory.”
“I like Jacob. Edward abandoned her.”
He scowled, shocked to find them on opposing sides. “Wren, we like Edward. She’s supposed to wait for him.”
Wren laughed. “Well, I guess we know what team you’re on.”
Greyson pulled Rat to his chest as Wren cleared the dishes. He was totally comfortable until she reappeared in her coat and hat.
He sat up. “Where are you going?”
“I told you, I have that massage.”
He paused the movie, wishing for a way to prevent her from rubbing oil all over some big city jerk. “How long will you be?”
“A little over an hour.”
He wobbled to his feet. “I’ll get my keys.”
“Sit your butt down.” She pushed him back and he collapsed like a sack of rocks. “You’re not leaving that couch.”
Defeated and annoyed with his weakness, he coughed. “I should drive you. The roads are getting icy.”
“It’s a two-minute ride, Grey. I’ll be fine. Besides,” she pointed to the television. “You’re so into this.”
“Am not.”
“Whatever you say.” She bundled up in her scarf and gloves and then kissed his head. “We’ll see if you’re still team Edward when I get back.”
“Who else’s team would I be on?”
She gave him a knowing look, then chuckled and opened the door.
“Text me when you get there so I don’t worry.”
“I will.” She shut the door and left.
Greyson looked down at Rat. “As soon as I’m over this cold, you and I are going douchebag hunting.” He hit play.
A few minutes later, his phone pinged with a text from Wren. He smiled whenever her contact picture popped up. It showed her from when she was about ten years old, hair curly and wild as she laughed, her smile slightly hidden by a melting ice cream cone.
As soon as he knew she was safe, he tried not to think about what she was doing. That city slicker better behave himself on her table.
He focused on Edward and Bella to avoid getting worked up, but it turned out that Edward was a gaslighting jerk who didn’t keep his word.
