And she’d hate him.
Maybe that would crush Jack.
No maybe about it.
It would.
But it would be the best thing for Emery.
That was all that mattered.
11
Emery
One year ago
I’d lied to Bailey. Right to her face.
It happened two days after Jack had scared off a potential suitor on the boardwalk and then proceeded to kiss the life out of me only to turn cold once again. For some inexplicable reason, he’d come into my store while Bailey was there. Remembering our kisses in the alley, I was sure I’d turned redder than a stoplight. I hadn’t wanted to touch or talk to him. I’d just wanted him out of there before Bailey noticed anything unusual between us.
Too late.
She’d pounced on me about Jack. So, I’d lied. I’d pretended Jack and I didn’t even know each other. I’d told her I wouldn’t jeopardize my friendships by pursuing a Devlin. The truth was, however, I wouldn’t jeopardize my sanity by pursuing Jack Devlin.
He was the one man I’d decided to trust in almost a decade, and once again, I’d chosen the wrong man.
I knew that for a fact now.
Jack was sleeping with Vanessa Hartwell. He was using her as part of his father’s manipulations to get his grasping paws on shares of Bailey’s inn.
The thought made me sick.
I tried desperately to not let thoughts of Jack invade during Jessica and Cooper’s wedding, but it was not the easiest of tasks. I was elated for Jess, overjoyed watching her marry the love of her life. And I was so honored to be a bridesmaid with Bailey and Dahlia.
As expected all eyes were on Jessica and Cooper… until they were on Bailey and Vaughn. Why? Because Vaughn punched out some guy at the wedding who, once upon a time, had broken Bailey’s heart.
It was all very romantic and entertaining.
But then everyone started mingling again, and I was overwhelmed by attention from guests who wanted a chance to speak with me. Yes, I’d made a lot of progress in my friendships, but being surrounded by this many people was still out of my comfort zone.
Dahlia seemed to catch my deer-in-the-headlights look as Kell Summers, a councilman and town event planner, hinted about Emery’s Bookstore and Coffeehouse hosting a stall at Winter Carnival this year.
“Hey, Em.” Dahlia sidled up to me, wrapping her arm around my waist. It was a comical embrace as her head barely came to my shoulder. “Jess was looking for you.”
“She was?”
“Uh-huh. Why don’t you go check that out?”
The stunted quality of her tone alerted me that she was lying to rescue me, and I smiled gratefully. “I will do that. Excuse me.” I gave Kell a polite smile and hurried away.
And by away, I mean I hurried right out of Paradise Sands Hotel where the reception was being held.
It was nighttime, the boardwalk lit up. I shivered as the ocean breeze swept over the boards, carrying with it the scent of sea salt that did nothing to mask the smells of popcorn, caramel, and burgers that pervaded every inch of the esplanade.
Goose bumps prickled down my arms. I was wearing the strapless teal bridesmaid dress Jess had picked out.
I’d heard horror stories about bridesmaid dresses, but Jess had great taste. We’d all worn the same color but in a style that suited our individual figures.
“Em.”
The deep voice drew my attention. Jack. He leaned against the hotel, a bottle of beer in his hand. His hair was a sexy mess. Instead of the stylish suit he usually wore, he was in a T-shirt and jeans.
Images of him with Vanessa at this very hotel filled my head and chilled my bones.
Vaughn had caught them. He’d seen Jack and Vanessa disappear into a hotel room, all over each other, just minutes after the morning he’d come into buy two coffees when Bailey was there to witness our interaction. Had he been sleeping with Vanessa when he kissed me?
How could I have been so wrong about him?
For years, I’d held on to the belief that Jack Devlin was a good person beneath his mysterious transformation.
What a blind fool I’d been.
Jack pushed off the building, taking a swig of beer. He walked closer, and it took everything within me not to run.
Then the light from the hotel hit his eyes, and my breath caught.
Grief. His eyes were dark with grief.
“Jack?”
“Coop and Jess tied the knot, then?” His eyes flew to the hotel doors.
And that’s when I understood.
“Yes.”
Jack’s gaze came back to mine. All tortured, making my heart ache for him despite him having hurt me. Damn him. “He’s happy?”
I nodded. “I’ve never seen a man happier.”
“Good.” His eyes brightened, and he took another long drink of his beer. It seemed like an attempt to get a hold on his emotion.
There was a long silence between us and then his eyes drifted down my body and back up. “You look beautiful. But then, you always do.”