Only You (Adair Family #5)(59)

“She’s closed off to me. Not just because of what I’ve done, but because of what others have done. There was a bad previous relationship.”

Arran scowled. “Is there someone we need to kill?”

I nodded grimly. “Most likely.”

“Fuck.” He shook his head. “Life is so unfair sometimes. She’s had it harder than most.”

“I want to make it better.”

“Then that’s what you do. Make Roe’s life better, for her, not for you, and without taking her choices away as you do it.”

I considered this as we walked up the dunes toward the fields. Pride swelled in my chest. “You’re a good man, Arran.”

He looked at me seriously. “You are too, Bro. I promise.”





23





Monroe





It was quite the novelty being able to walk out my front door and stroll toward Flora’s in just a few minutes. Living in the cottage was life changing. I hadn’t realized how miserable I’d felt coming home to that caravan every evening and waking up in it every morning.

Now I couldn’t wait to get home and throw some wood on the fire, pour a glass of wine, and check my kids’ online homework with the TV playing in the background.

That I had the Adairs (i.e., Brodan) to thank for it was a bit awkward, but I could deal with that to have a lovely place to rest my head at night. Not that I found falling asleep easily these last few nights. The culprit was, of course, Brodan.

He was being nice to me.

At the musical rehearsals over the last two days, he’d been kind and attentive and respectful toward me. He wasn’t overtly flirtatious or unprofessional. Just nice. There was something different about him. Something … lighter. Like a burden had been lifted. Even Ellen and David commented on the change in his demeanor. I couldn’t help but wonder if his confession and my forgiveness had effected such a change. Could my opinion really matter that much to him?

Ugh.

I was in turmoil.

As much as I appreciated his newfound attitude, I couldn’t let go of how he’d treated me previously.

When he asked me to meet him for coffee on Saturday, I was relieved to tell him honestly that I already had plans with Sloane Harrow for brunch at Flora’s.

The truth was, I needed a friend who wasn’t an Adair. As much as I loved Arro, she’d no doubt root for whatever made Brodan happy, and if she thought that was me, there would be pressure. Regan would be the same.

An impartial friend who I might talk to about this stuff once we got friendlier sounded like a solution. Therefore, I called Sloane and asked her to brunch. Luckily, Callie was spending the day at Lewis’s. He’d invited her over to play his new video game. They’d become like two peas in a pod in class, and my chest ached every time they reminded me of how Brodan and I were as kids.

That’s all it was, I told myself continuously. Brodan wasn’t in love with me now. He was just confused by our long history and the love we’d shared as children. He’d realize that soon enough, and who would end up hurt again? Me. Thus, I was standing strong against whatever plans he had to make me fall in love with him again.

I even googled him last night.

I knew it was a bad idea.

But I was weak and needed some armor against him.

Seeing images of him with one stunning beauty after another and reading articles about his dating history helped. I was nothing like those women. For a start, they all seemed comfortable in the spotlight. I most certainly was not. And being in a relationship with Brodan Adair would change life as I knew it. My face would be plastered over tabloids and the internet, and jealous people would make nasty comments and question why he’d chosen me. The speculation would make me feel trapped in my own skin.

Um, no thanks.

“That’s a serious look.” Sloane’s voice interrupted my thoughts.

I blinked, realizing I’d been so lost in my musings, I’d walked into Flora’s on autopilot. I turned to find Sloane at a table by the window. “Hi.” I laughed wryly at myself. “I’m so sorry. I was in dreamland.”

She flashed her glamorous smile and gestured to the empty chair. “No worries. I visit there often.”

Chuckling, I took the seat. “How are you?”

“Still having ‘pinch me’ moments that Callie and I live in the Scottish Highlands now, but otherwise, good.”

I wanted to ask what had brought them here, but I sensed it would be better to leave it to Sloane to tell me. “But you like it here?”

“What’s not to like? Everyone is so friendly. Callie’s found a new best friend, and I have a stable job and a nice place to live.”

“It’s not strange wandering that castle, seeing all those famous faces?”

She shrugged. “I’m from LA. I grew up seeing a famous face or two.”

“Right.”

“Have you ever been to the castle?” Sloane asked. “It’s something to see.”

Nostalgia seized me as memories of running through the halls filled my mind. “I used to be quite familiar with it before they renovated. It used to be the Adairs’ family home, but they only lived in a small portion.”

“Really?” Sloane leaned forward, her chin on her fist. “So you’re friends with them all? I did sense that at the bake sale.”