Page 52 of When You Were Mine

“I don’t want to talk about Darby right now.” He said it urgently, like he was dodging something. Sidestepping. “We need to stay focused on us.”

“There is no us. And as long as you’re still engaged, I’m not comfortable talking to you.”

He was hiding something from her, and she didn’t like it.

She didn’t like any of this. Because being this close to him stirred up memories and feelings. She was susceptible to him in a way she couldn’t explain.

Trevor was compelling. He wasexciting. Reckless and impulsive. He got a call from his agent, and he walked out the door. And right then, after bumping into her in Iceland, he declared she’d never left his heart.

He got so carried away he forgot all about his fiancée.

Joel would never do that. He’d remained on such good terms with his ex-wife that he was staying with her for Christmas, just to take care of their adult child.

Joel’s a good, steady man.

I’m in a good place. I like my life.

And I’m not going down this road with Trevor Montgomery again.

She put her mask of professionalism back on. “I’m glad we cleared the air, but I have to make some calls.”

“Elzy, don’t go. Just wait. Talk to me.”

And that was it right there, wasn’t it? All the years of pining for this man, and for what? “Sorry. I don’t wait for people anymore.”

Chapter Eight

Trevor came backfrom a walk along the beach. He was cold, damp, and frustrated. And somehow, he’d managed to push Elzy even further away.

As he entered the suite, he found Darby facing the mirror, slicking on her lip gloss. She looked like she was attending a premiere.

“We’re just going to tastings, right? Am I missing something?” The warmth in the room loosened his joints.

“Yes, but these are two of the fanciest restaurants in Reykjavik.” She eyed his sandy boots, jeans, and parka. “Hurry up and get into your kilt.” She popped the lid back on the tube.

Hell no.Dressing in costume would only remind Elzy of the reason he’d left her. “Not necessary. We’re eating in the kitchen.”

She lowered her arm. “That’s what you talked to her about?Business?”

“No.” He lifted his phone. “Chris sent a group text.” He sat on a chair and untied his boots. “Our conversation lasted all of fifteen minutes. I brought up my son, but that was it. She didn’t want to talk about anything else.”

“Why not?”

“Because I’m engaged. She thinks it’s shitty of me to be alone with her behind your back.” At least he’d gotten to tell her how Cole was conceived.

Fuck.

All this time, she thought I’d fallen for someone eighteen months after leaving her.

He couldn’t stand it.

I’ve never loved anyone but her.

“I love that she’s a girl’s girl, but yeah, it’s a problem. What should we do?”

Good question.After pulling off his socks, he unbuttoned and unzipped his jeans. “If I tell her the truth, I’ll have to leave, and I’m not willing to do that.” But he had to stop coming on so strong. “I need to back off. Just hang out with her and be friendly.”

“You don’t have much time.”

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