Total pages in book: 57
Estimated words: 54817 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 274(@200wpm)___ 219(@250wpm)___ 183(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 54817 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 274(@200wpm)___ 219(@250wpm)___ 183(@300wpm)
“There’s something you don’t know about me, Gracie,” he says softly—not taking his hand away from my face.
“What’s that?” I ask, feeling sick to my stomach.
“I am not like anyone else—especially when it comes to you. It may take me time to make you realize that, but I’m willing to work to get in your heart.”
I ignore his words. He probably means them. Maybe Andrew meant his promises in the beginning. I know better, though. “Let’s go inside. I’m hungry,” I lie.
Ford exhales but turns and uses the keycard to unlock the door. I step inside, wishing I could make an excuse to just go to bed. I know that’s not possible, so I paste a fake smile on my face. I just need to get through tonight and get home to my son.
That’s all …
14
GRACE
I look in the bathroom mirror, staring at the woman with hollow eyes that is reflected there. I hate being the woman that Benny turned me into. Ford had such a great time last night. He was nice enough not to question me too much about Andrew. He even seemed to let it go after I mentioned we dated briefly before I got married. I really like Ford, but I can’t be the woman he wants. Last night was proof of that. My conversation with Andrew opened wounds that were better left alone. I don’t hate the man, but what he did hurt deeply. He may not be responsible for my marriage to Benny, but the way he treated me—cutting me out of his life after making me think we had a future—made me feel worthless. Sure, he may have been going through his own shit, but the man I fell in love with would have handled me with care. He always had before. I would have done anything for him. I tried to fight for him. He just tossed me away.
With a sigh, I hastily tie my hair up in a messy bun. It doesn’t matter what I look like. I’m nothing special. The way Andrew and Benny treated me is proof of that. I’ve tried to tell Ford the same thing. He doesn’t listen. I can’t worry about it. I have to concentrate on Asher. My son is my only priority. Carter Ford might think we could be more to one another, but this trip is proof he's wrong. I’ve gone years without any of my past touching me. Now, it shows up right when I decide to take a chance. The Man Upstairs must be having a grand old time laughing at me at this point.
I sneak out of my room as quietly as I can. I’m relieved to find that Ford is still in his bedroom. I’ll head downstairs and grab some coffee, then come back here and demand Ford take me home early. I need to hug my little boy. He centers me.
Slipping the hotel keycard into my back pocket, I quietly head downstairs. I briefly think about leaving a note for Ford but decide against it. Maybe I can annoy him enough that he’ll leave me alone. No man wants to put forth effort on a lost cause. Andrew didn’t.
I get in the elevator, my thoughts going to Andrew. I know our conversation brought him closure, but for me, whatever relationship we had ended when he ghosted me. I didn’t even want him to explain. None of his answers can repair the hurt and pain he left behind. I wouldn’t tell him that. I’d rather keep my pain private. That way, it can’t be used against me. Being ghosted is worse than someone just ending the relationship. It tells you that you’re not worth even the small effort it would take to say goodbye. It leaves you with so many unanswered questions that eat at you and make you feel completely worthless. Andrew taught me that lesson. Benny taught me to keep my pain to myself. He used to love using it against me. I refuse to give anyone the chance to do that to me again.
I step out of the elevator, looking around. This hotel and casino are really nice. Ford, Andrew, and the others appear unimpressed, but I am. Despite my ex working for the Korslovas, I’ve never been exposed to this type of luxury. It’s decorated in different shades of gold and black, with marble tiled floors. It really is beautiful.
“We have to stop meeting like this,” Sloane’s voice quips, making me turn around. She’s wearing a huge smile on her face. What would it feel like to be that carefree? I can’t begin to imagine.
“Um … hi,” I murmur, reaching back to touch my messy hair. Maybe I should have tried to impress a little.
“You must stir early, like I do,” Sloane responds, still smiling.
“I needed some coffee. Ford was still asleep,” I explain.