Page 97 of Seduced By You

“I love you, Lee. I want you to know that. But I can’t be with you. One day, soon, you’ll find someone who’s worthy of you. I’m only sorry that man isn’t me.”

I pinched my lips shut. Whatever. The sooner he left, the better off I’d be.

Seconds later, I got my wish. Or half of it, at least. He left.

And I had to face up to the fact that I’d never been poorer in my entire life.

Chapter30

Leesa

As one void closes, another opens.

Wincingas I climbed out of the cab, I gingerly cradled my stomach and made my way up the paved path to Audrey’s house. She greeted me at the door without the need to knock, Dash already in his cat carrier at her feet.

“He’s missed you.”

I dropped into a crouch and stuck my fingers through the gaps in the bars. “Hey, puss puss. I missed you, too.” Rising to my feet, I put my hand on Audrey’s arm. “Thank you so much for taking him. I don’t know what I’d have done if you hadn’t.”

“It’s my pleasure. I love having him. You know this.”

She canted her head. I braced, readying myself to be gracious if she pulled out the pity card. Audrey was a lovely woman. She deserved my undying gratitude. I could stomach a few seconds of empathy.

“How’s the pain?” She pointed her chin at my midsection. “I saw you wince as you got out of the taxi.”

“It’s not too bad. Doctors say I’ll be good as new in a week or two.” I twisted my lips. “Well, not quite, but you know what I mean.”

“I won’t trot out platitudes about beauty being on the inside, or in the beholder’s eye.” She took hold of both my arms and rubbed up and down. “Scars don’t define you, sweetheart. You’ll always be a stunner.”

I mustered the merest hint of a smile. “I’d better go. You know what French cab drivers are like. He’ll either disappear or charge me double if I don’t get moving.” Picking up Dash’s cage, I kissed Audrey’s soft cheek. “Thanks again. You’re a lifesaver.”

She stood by the door as the cab pulled away, waving until we drove around the corner at the end of her street. Dash curled into a ball, his chest vibrating in a contented purr.

“Almost home, puss.” I rested my head against the back of the seat and closed my eyes. Lucky for me, the cabbie wasn’t the chatty sort. Or perhaps that was lucky for him. I wasn’t in a talkative mood.

By now, my parents would have likely turned up at the hospital to find me gone. I’d never given them my address here in Saint Tropez, but it wouldn’t take much effort to find me if they were of a mind to. I fully expected them to turn up at some point. If not today, then tomorrow. And when they did, this time, I wouldn’t push them away. Being surrounded by familiar things would help equip me to handle the difficult conversation.

As for Kadon…

My chest tightened, grief sweeping through me like a virus. I hadn’t only lost my lover, but my best friend, too. Myonlyfriend. I sighed. I never did get Pippa’s phone number.

The cab driver took pity on me and carried Dash to the front door. I had no other luggage. The suitcase Kadon had slung into the back of his rented SUV a few short days ago as we left Val d’Isère had never made it to me at the hospital. For all I knew, it was still halfway down that mountain. Not that I wanted to see it, or the things inside, ever again. The reminders of what I’d almost had, and what I’d ultimately lost, were far too painful.

Did Kadon know the hospital had discharged me? Had he ignored my bitter words for him to leave and never come back? Was there a chance he’d change his mind and fight for me? Did I even want him to?

Ah, wasn’t that the six-million-dollar question?

I put down food and water for Dash and changed out of the dress I’d bought at the charity shop at the hospital. Being in my own clothes made me feel better. A shiver ran through me. I put the heating on and made a cup of tea. For once, Dash had left the chair by the window free. He might have picked up on my sadness and decided to cut me a break.

The moment I sat down, he jumped up beside me, curling in my lap. I sipped my tea, absentmindedly stroking him as my thoughts meandered. Loneliness settled in my bones. I missed Kadon. His sense of humor, his easy laugh, the way his eyes sparkled when something amused him, the dimple in his chin, a twin to the one in his cheek. The way he kissed me as if it wouldn’t ever be enough. His muscular arms holding me at night until I fell into a deep, dreamless sleep.

If we’d never gotten together, then he wouldn’t have taken me skiing. We’d never have been in that car, on that road. I wouldn’t have a vicious scar running the entire length of my cheek.

And I wouldn’t have known what it was like to have a man like Kadon make love to me as if I was the most precious gift in the world, the center of his universe.

No matter how much this hurt, I’d never give that up. I’d spent almost nine months in the dark about his feelings toward me, but if I had my time again, I’d make exactly the same decisions.

The sun set, and still I hadn’t moved from the chair. My stomach rumbled. I ignored it. My body might be hungry, but I couldn’t face the idea of food. A cup of warm milk might help. I put Dash on the floor, grimacing as I straightened. The doctor had warned me I’d get some pain for a few days. I traipsed into the kitchen and swallowed two painkillers.

---