Page 65 of Perfect Together
She met his gaze. “You have to see that Sara has remarried and clearly has a wonderful life. How can you be so hard on yourself?”
He groaned, running a hand through his hair. “When it comes to making decisions for myself or people I care about, my judgment is suspect.”
“Because Jenna betrayed you too? And you didn’t see it happening?”
“Both Jenna and Brett. And then Frank.” He clenched and unclenched his hands.
She placed her hand over his, stilling his movements. “That’s onthem. The only thing that’s on you is being a good, trusting person.”
“Yeah, fucking perfect,” he muttered.
She blinked in surprise at the vehemence in his tone. She wanted to crawl into his lap and tell him that to her, he was perfect. He was everything good and decent, especially compared to her own family, and she felt lucky to have him in her life. But from the tight set of his jaw, she sensed he wouldn’t hear her, let alone believe.
But somehow she had to convince him that not only did she trust him, but he could have that same faith in himself. Otherwise this push-pull sexually was all they’d ever have together. And she already knew it wasn’t nearly enough.
***
Macy prided herselfon being smart when it came to men. Not so smart that she’d landed herself one for good, but smart enough not to be taken in by the jerks of the world. Until Tyler Stanton. Yes, she knew Tyler had only been spending time with her while pursuing his agenda with Nicole, but they’d grown closer. He’d flirted even after he’d promised not to. At the very least they were friends. And friends didn’t dump each other at an art fair and run off looking for another woman.
After getting a ride home from another friend and stewing for an hour after that, Macy decided it was time she got some answers from Mr. Tyler Stanton. He didn’t answer his phone, so she headed over to the Serendipity Inn. She pulled her little Mustang up to the house and parked on the street.
As she walked up the driveway and path to the front door, she waved to Joanne Rhodes, the owner, who was on her knees, weeding in her flower beds.
“Hi, Macy. How are you this fine day?”
“I’m fine, thanks. Did you get over to the art festival?” Macy asked her.
Joanne nodded. “This morning. I wanted to spend time with my flowers this afternoon. Here to see Tyler?” she asked.
“Yes. Is he in?” A stupid question because his car was parked in the extra spots in the back of the driveway, but she forced herself to make polite conversation before she could head in.
“Upstairs. I have to admit, he’s such a nice, polite man. I’m sad to see him go.”
Macy stiffened but forced herself not to ask her for details. Those she wanted from Tyler. She didn’t want to think he’d leave without saying goodbye, but after the way he’d dumped her at the fair, maybe she shouldn’t give him that much credit.
She managed a smile. “I’ll go talk to him.”
Gathering her anger as well as her courage, she headed inside and upstairs to his room. She knocked once and the door swung open.
The Tyler who answered the door didn’t look anything like the composed, put-together man she was used to seeing. Instead, his normally neat hair was messed, having apparently been attacked by his fingers, and his eyes were a bit wild, his focus clearly scattered.
“Macy.” To his credit, he sounded happy to see her.
“We need to talk,” she said, pushing her way into his room, only to see his suitcase open on the end of the bed. Her stomach plummeted at the sight.
She turned to him, folding her arms across her chest, pinning him with her most determined glare. “Tell me you’d planned on saying goodbye.”
***
Tyler stared ather, wishing he could give her the answer she wanted. But the truth was, he’d heard what Nicole had to say about not hurting her. He also knew there were people in town watching him. And he hadn’t wanted to put her in any danger. So he’d planned to go home, settle things with his father, then come back here and see what could be—with Macy.
“You. Suck.” She shoved his shoulder, her blue eyes flashing with hurt and anger.
He grabbed her wrist and met her gaze. “Yeah, I do. And you deserve a hell of a lot better than getting involved with me.”
She jerked out of his grasp and sat down on the bed. “We’re not involved, Tyler. Maybe there’s chemistry between us, but I’m not stupid enough to put any stock in you. Not while you’re here chasing after another woman. But I at least thought we were friends.”
“Oh, we’re friends.”