Page 61 of Off-Limits Silver Fox Billionaire

She ended the call, and I sank deeper into my bed then covered myself with the sheets. I didn’t have the courage to tell her I was leaving the island yet. It was best to let her enjoy her honeymoon before giving her such news.

Later that night, I settled down with my laptop in the kitchen and focused on writing an article about the wonders peppermint tea does to your nerves.

It took about three hours before I sent the article to my freelance editor, then I fixed myself a quick dinner and sat down to enjoy my meal.

That night, I thought of Josh and how short-lived our romance was. This magical island had showed me what it felt like to be in love and now that it was over, it was finally time to move on.

Next day rolled by fast, and the day after that. I went about the same routine and visited Rue’s bakery in the evenings to help out with the customers. Each passing day drew me closer to when my plan to leave for good, and I hoped I was making the right choice to leave my heart behind.

27

JOSH

Phil visited unexpectedly three days after the wedding. I was working on a bench in the backyard when he arrived, and Jenny came to find me in the back.

“There’s a gentleman named Phil out front looking for you,” she said as she stood there, her hands on her hips and her eyes fixed on me. I straightened my spine, and sighed as I looked at her, then walked to the front to meet with Phil.

We shook hands, then I led Phil to the living room. “That was a nice wedding,” Phil complimented after he sat, and Jenny went into the kitchen to bring us both something to drink.

I suspected he had lots of questions, especially since the scene Jenny created at the wedding. I waited for him to bring it up, but he seemed calm at first until Jenny excused herself.

“Phil,” I began, wanting to discuss the reason I suspected he had come to visit. “Hurting Bree wasn’t my intention. I understand that you’re…”

“I’m not here because of Bree,” he said, then linked his fingers together. “I’m here to speak with you, Josh. It’s just you and me here now, so I’ll just go ahead and say what needs to be said.”

I held my breath and waited for him to continue. “You need to do what’s right and stay away from Bree.”

I fell silent for a long time. Neither Phil or I said a thing as we stared hard at each other, and I searched my heart the entire time. I still couldn’t forget about Bree even though she made it clear that she wanted nothing to do with me now.

I shouldn’t have let her go.When she confessed her feelings to me, I got scared and it was stupid to think I could let Bree go. It was selfish to think I could parent a child with her when I knew how she felt.

Jenny’s outburst at the wedding made me realize just how insane this idea truly was, and Iris understood that too. I knew I shouldn’t have given up on her.

What do I do now? How do I get her back?

My chest grew heavy, and the lump forming at the back of my throat tightened hard. “I don’t think I can do that,” I whispered after some time. “I’m sorry Phil but I don’t think I can.”

I met his gaze, and he narrowed his eyes while his lips formed tiny slits.

“I know this sounds crazy, but I actually love your daughter Phil and I don’t want to lose her.”

“Bree’s a sweet girl Josh and if you keep hurting her like you’ve already done then…”

“I have no intention of hurting her,” I cut in before he could say more. “I just …I don’t want to lose her, and it’s a little complicated right now. It’s crazy right now I know, but I love Bree.”

Phil got on his feet, and I noticed his right hand clenched at his side.

I got on my feet too and met his gaze. “I mean it.”

“And I mean it when I say you shouldn’t do this, Josh. I’m sending Bree back to New York, or wherever she wants to go. I want her far away from this island, and you. It’s best you say your goodbyes.”

“Is this what Bree wants?” I questioned, then held my breath because I feared Phil’s answer would hurt. I realized my heart was thumping wildly in my chest as I waited.

“It doesn’t matter what she wants. It matters what’s best for her, and frankly, I don’t think you’re what’s best for her.”

I swallowed hard and watched him walk out of my house without another word. I combed my fingers through my hair after that and tried to control my worry by taking in large chunks of air.

Bree mattered to me, and it didn’t matter what Phil thought.

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