Page 113 of Unexpected Entanglement

“No, your place is with me. Don’t you remember all the talks we had? We have a vision. I’ll be the CEO by the time I turn forty-five. We’ll buy a bigger house in South Freeport. Get a dog, have two children—a boy and a girl, like you and Kieran—”

“That’s your vision. Not mine,” Rowan interrupted. “You should find yourself a woman who shares that dream. I’m not that person anymore.”

Richard's face was getting more and more frustrated, and Rowan wondered what he’d do. She looked past Richard to the party to see if anyone was watching them, though she doubted he would make a scene. He cared too much about how people perceived him. His vision of being a young CEO had always driven his actions. He still had ways to go, so Rowan was sure he wouldn’t jeopardize his chances by making a fool of himself for her.

“I’m sorry, Richard,” Rowan softened her voice, hoping to get out of this conversation without hurting him more. “You’ll find someone else more suited to you.”

Richard schooled his expression and found the dignified stance he’d practiced daily. He forced a smiled at her. “I have invested too many years with you, Rowan. I won’t throw it all away. If you want to stay here for now, I’m sure we can figure something out.”

Now it was Rowan’s turn to be frustrated. She needed to squash Richard’s hope once and for all. She was about to say something when he cut her off.

“Don’t say anything now. Why don’t you think about it? We’ll discuss this more tomorrow.” Richard turned away and left.

Rowan blew an exasperated breath. What delusion was Richard living in? It was always wonderful to hear someone wanted to be with her because he had invested too much time in her. Not love. Not he couldn’t live without her.

Fuck that.

This time, she did chug the wine down.

What she needed to stop Richard’s plea was an ironclad situation he couldn’t break. What she needed was Chris. One word about their “engagement” would solve this issue, and Richard would leave her alone. What was one more person she’d lie to?

Rowan scanned the crowd for Chris with guilt growing inside of her. The lie was getting out of hand, and she was getting sucked deeper and deeper. How was she going to get herself out of it? After what she’d told him last night, she now needed his help. Again.

There he is.

The nauseating feeling she felt in the pit of her stomach grew. Rowan swallowed bile as she watched Chris laughing with some girls who were clearly flirting with him. She remembered they were Meredith’s close friends from work—both single. She wasn’t surprised they’d be flirting with any of the young, available men. Many people use weddings as an opportunity to meet or hook up. But she wasn’t prepared to see Chris as their object. And it looked like he was enjoying the attention.

He isn’t really yours, Rowan.

Rowan loosened her tight grip on her glass and reined in her jealousy. She looked away, headed back to Gwen, and asked for a fresh glass of wine.

thirty-six

The day of the wedding

Rowan groaned as her hands squeezed her pounding head.

Great. The morning of the wedding, I’m nursing a hangover.

“You okay?” Chris’ voice came from behind her. His hand rubbed the back of her neck.

Rowan sighed as the blurred memory of last night came back to her in pieces. Her next groan wasn’t from the headache.

Stupid!

“God, did I…?” Rowan started.

“Yup,” Chris confirmed. “But Kieran and I got you back here as soon as we saw what was happening.”

“What happened?” Rowan couldn’t remember the details. “I shouldn’t have had that extra glass of wine.”

“How many did you have?” Chris asked.

Rowan felt him move, and his weight left the bed. She turned flat on her back and tried opening her eyes. Searing pain shot through her brain, and she quickly shut them again.

“Three,” she answered through a low moan.

“Only three? Big glasses?”

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