Breathe (Sea Breeze #1)(35)

He nodded as if found guilty of a crime. “Yes, I mentioned you on your first night of work when I got home, and she remembered you from school.”

I nodded, still shocked at the connection. I really never thought about the fact Marcus had family around here, and I might know the people in it.

And then it hit me: she knew about Jax. “Does she know...?”

Marcus shook his head. “No. No, I can’t tell her about Jax. She would freak out and start stalking my work place.”

I smiled sadly, but a wave of relief washed over me. “I don’t see her as the stalking type.”

Marcus laughed and raised his blond eyebrows. “Jax Stone happens to be all over her bedroom walls.”

I smiled and sat back down. “Why did you come to find me?”

Marcus sat down in the chair beside me. “You’re my friend, and I didn’t like knowing you were hurt. I wish you would have waited on me to take you home, but I understand why you wanted to leave.”

I didn’t reply because I wasn’t really sure what to say. We stared out at the water for some time.

Finally, Marcus said to me, “You knew he would only be here for a little while. He is going to leave, and you’re going to be here. Your worlds are too different.” He stopped and cleared his throat. “You’re not like other girls, Sadie, and that is attractive to a guy. We get tired of the same stuff, and when someone as beautiful as you comes along, with all your sweet, naive, accepting ways, someone like you is what we are all searching for.”

I started to argue, but he stopped me with his hands.

“I am not saying any of this right, so let me finish and see if I can explain this better. When I first saw you, I was immediately attracted to your outward appearance.

However, after talking to you, getting to know you, and watching you at work, I realized I would have been attracted to you if you were plain and mousy. My guess is Jax hasn’t been around anyone with your traits in a long time, and mix it all in with the fact you’re a gorgeous blonde and ‘bam’ he got hooked. I can’t blame him for wanting you.” Marcus’s hand fisted in his lap. He seemed angry now. “But I can fault him for acting on his interest in you. He unleashed all his charm on you, knowing it could only be for a short time. And for that, I'm going to make sure he pays.”

A sudden knot of fear formed in my stomach, and I immediately shook my head. “Marcus, no! I chose this. You’re right, I knew it wasn’t as serious to him, or even long term. I let myself care too much, and it’s my stupidity. Nothing he did was wrong.”

Marcus shook his head. “He is older and more knowledgeable about the ways of the world than you. I blame him.”

I laughed, not sure how, but I did. “I need a friend, Marcus, not a white knight.”

Marcus grinned. “I am your friend, Sadie, and that will never change. However, I wouldn’t mind being your white knight either.”

I shook my head. “I didn’t really choose him, Marcus. My heart did. I didn’t want to love him. I knew it would end up breaking my heart, but I couldn’t stop it. Every time I got around him, I fell harder. He isn’t the guy everyone sees on television. He isn’t some rich, shallow rocker. He has a kind heart, and there is this little boy inside of him who still needs approval from those he cares about. He accepts others for who they are, and he never judges anyone.”

Marcus’s expression seemed so sad. “You got inside the star and found the heart. It will only make this harder on you.” He reached over and took my hand. “I’m here with a shoulder to cry on, whenever you need it.”

I wanted to cry now, but I knew I couldn’t do so in front of Marcus. I didn’t want him mad at Jax because I’d turned into a silly lovesick fool. Instead, I stood up. “I need to head home.”

I slipped my hands into the pockets of my shorts. The evening wind had begun to cool.

“Can I take you home?”

I thought about it, and then shook my head. “I’m too close to home, and the ride will be good for me.”

“Okay, if that is what you want.”

“It is,” I said.

“Will you be at work tomorrow, or are you going to be up here for the life-guarding job?”

“I’ll be at work.” I hadn’t realized I’d made my decision until I said it aloud.

* * *

Chapter Eleven

I lost count of the times I’d attempted to talk myself out of returning to the Stone mansion. I kept reminding myself we needed the money, and I would not act like Jessica. I did not run away from life. I faced my problems and dealt with them. I could be stronger than a broken heart. Foolishly, I gave my heart away to someone who didn’t need it, or expect it. It was my fault, and my fault alone. However, I would not continue to do so. Lesson learned. I learned a long time ago not to make the same mistake twice. I opened the kitchen door, and Ms. Mary turned to look at me. Relief washed over her face. She must have worried I wouldn’t come back. Her expression, and the fact I would have been missed, made my returning worth it.

“Morning, Ms. Mary.” I glanced over at the table expecting it to be empty, and I froze in place at the sight of Jax, sitting in his usual spot. A concerned frown wrinkled his forehead.

I nodded a silent “hello” and forced myself to face Ms. Mary. “If it is all the same to you, I would like to get an early start on the garden this morning. Can I come back later to help you with the food prep?”