Page 105 of Unexpected Entanglement

“Is it gonna be a problem?” he asked.

“Richard isn’t the type to make a scene, if that’s what you’re asking. He’s a buttoned-up, cardigan-wearing guy who likes his underwear ironed.”

Chris grinned at the description. “The unassuming type usually harbors deeply pressured fieriness that might combust with the right trigger.”

“That trigger isn’t me, believe me.”

Chris studied her nonchalant expression and noticed a slight tremor at the corners of her mouth, regret in her eyes. Suddenly, his chest felt tight.

“You still love him?”

Rowan’s lips parted as she looked at him with a slight frown of confusion. “No, I don’t.”

“Five years isn’t an easy thing to walk away from.” Chris ran his hands down her back. “Maybe he realizes what a gem he lost and is coming here to win you back.”

Rowan just scoffed at the idea and shook her head.

“What would you do if he got down to his knees in the middle of the dance floor this Saturday night, professed his love for you, and begged you to come back to him?” Chris asked.

Rowan looked scandalized at the image he painted. “Richard would never—”

“But if he did?” Chris held his breath, waiting for her answer.

Rowan stared at him with baffled eyes, seeming unsure. “Why are you asking me this?”

Chris swallowed.Why are you asking her that, Sullens?

Disappointed by her nonanswer, he let go of her and stepped away. With a shrug, he played it cool. “I just want to know how to react if that happens. Should I be the outraged fiancé to get you out of it? Or should I take the high road and wish you the best?”

Chris couldn’t decipher the expression on Rowan’s face now. A mixed bag of emotions flitted through it before she turned away.

“I don’t know,” she finally said.

“You don’t know what?”

“I don’t know what I’d do!” Rowan repeated more forcefully.

“I see.”

“What do you want me to say, Chris?” She spun around back to him. “I don’t have time to wonder about what-ifs. Right now, I'm just focused on today, making sure my guests are good, and dealing with Meredith's wedding. I don’t have the luxury to worry about what Richard will do.”

“I’m just trying to help,” Chris said.

“If you want to help, let’s stick to the inn stuff. I’ll deal with my own life.”

Rowan unlocked the door and stormed out.

thirty-four

One day to the wedding

After the Friday breakfast service, Chris took over Tim’s job of picking up the Friday noon arrivals and had Tim drive the bridal party to their salon appointments instead. A little distance between him and Rowan was probably a good idea. She’d managed to keep their engagement between Meredith and Sam by telling them she didn’t want to take any attention away from them.

That little spat between him and Rowan was an apt reminder he was, in fact, not Rowan’s fiancé. He needed to stop blurring the line they’d drawn that first day they’d fallen into lust.

They hadn’t touched each other last night. Chris had been the last to turn in. After making sure all guests were settled, the staff had clocked off, he’d had an end-of-the-day drink with Rae, Alex, and Oliver while Rowan had excused herself. She’d been asleep—or pretended to sleep—when he’d come in.

Great. Their fake relationship had progressed to faking sleep. How hilarious.

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