Page 26 of I Saw Her First

“No, Daisy. I can’t talk about this, okay?” He yanks his arm away from my touch and rises to his feet. “I have to go.”

I look up at his tall figure. “Go? Where?”

“Rex is having drinks again tonight. I wasn’t going to go but…” He lifts a shoulder. “I think I will.” He glances down at me, but his eyes are distant, like he’s already left. “Are you coming or what?”

I blink. He can’t be serious.

Why did I push things by asking about his dad again? I know he doesn’t like to talk about that, but…

I rub my arm, shaking my head to myself. How can he expect me to be with him, to understand him, if he won’t share what is clearly causing him pain? If he won’t open up to me?

“I, uh… no, thanks.” I rub my temples, searching for an excuse. “I’ve got a headache after being in the sun all day. I think I’ll get an early night. I’ll sleep in the guest room again.”

I expect some pushback on this, but Jess shrugs. “Whatever.” Then he turns on his heel and stalks off, leaving me alone by the pool. The relief I feel at him leaving tells me all I need to know.

It’s time to end things with him.

But… I think of what Weston said to me in the kitchen last night, how I’m good for his son. He’ll be so disappointed when I break up with Jess, and I can’t stand the thought of that.

I chew on a nail, anxiety twisting my insides. I don’t want to hurt Jesse, but it’s not fair to string him along when I already know in my heart it’s not going anywhere.

When I have feelings for his father.

It doesn’t matter if Weston will be disappointed, if it might cut our vacation short. I need to do the right thing the next time I see Jesse.

11

Weston

Ihesitate before knocking on the door to Daisy’s room. She’s avoided me today, and I’m not sure why. I saw her watching me on the beach this morning, but when I went inside to say hello, she was gone. She spent the day out by the pool, and I’m sure she skipped lunch. I considered taking some out to her, but decided that was too much. She knows where the kitchen is, and if she’s in the mood to be alone, I want to respect that.

Besides, one glimpse of her in the white string bikini she wore by the pool was all I needed to tell me to stay away. I know better than to tempt fate.

Still, it’s been a whole day, and I know she hasn’t eaten. I won’t let the woman starve.

I raise my hand and knock. There’s a rustle inside, then the door swings open. Daisy stands there in a cornflower-blue sundress, her hair tumbling loose over one shoulder. I swallow, keeping my eyes locked on hers.

“I’m cooking dinner, if you’re hungry,” I say matter-of-factly.

She twists her lips to one side in thought, then nods. “Yeah, actually. I’m starving.”

“Do you like steak?”

“I do.” Her lips curve in a hesitant smile, and she rubs her elbow, shifting her weight. Something in her body language tells me she’s uncomfortable, so I step back.

“I’ll leave some on the counter for you. You can eat in here, if you’d like.”

“Oh.” Her brows dart together, and I feel like a jerk.

“I mean, you don’t have to,” I add quickly. “I wasn’t sure if you wanted to be alone, or…” I know that Jess has gone out again because I saw Rex’s car pull up a few hours ago, but I doubt she wants me to dwell on that. “Or… you could join me.”

Her warm brown gaze moves over my face for a beat, and on instinct I straighten up and offer her a smile. It’s not until she nods her agreement that I realize I’ve been holding my breath.

“Sounds good.” She pulls the door to her room shut and follows me down the hall to the kitchen.

“Wine?” I ask, hoping it might help us both relax a little.

“Sure.”

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