Chapter 542
Chapter 542:
“If I’d asked you openly, would you have said yes p>
“But you never asked p>
Her eyes locked on mine, brimming with everything but regret. I had taught her too well.
“I couldn’t,” she said. “I was married to Pierre. He’s a good man in his way, but not what I wanted. I couldn’t tell you while I was still his wife. I needed time. Then I heard about you and Mirabelle.” She clenched her fists. “I just needed a few more months p>
She reached for my hand. “But it’s not too late now. I’m single. You’re single. We can finally p>
I pulled my hand free. “No p>
“Why not p>
“I don’t feel that way about you. Never did. Never will p>
“I don’t believe that. We’ve known each other for years. I know you better than she ever could p>
“I don’t care what you believe.” I opened the door wide. “Leave. When this cruise is over, I expect you gone from my life p>
“Mira p>
“Damn it,” I muttered under my breath, then got up to leave.
“Stay.” Ashton blocked my way.
I glanced around, searching for an escape route.
The restaurant was one of three on board, and it wasn’t even lunchtime. I thought I’d be safe here. How did he even find me?
“I’m busy,” I said.
“Doing what p>
I nearly said the excuse I’d used for the past two months, then remembered I was on a cruise ship.
𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝘁 gⲁ𝗅𝗇𝗈ν𝖊𝗅𝘀⧽𝖼𝗈𝗺
A group of guys strolled past, carrying scuba gear.
“Diving,” I blurted out. “I signed up for a class, and I’m running late p>
“I’ll come with you p>
I let out an exasperated sigh. “I don’t want you to come with me. Shouldn’t you be enjoying this perfect afternoon with your new girlfriend?” I pushed past him without waiting for an answer.
He caught up easily.
I started jogging.
He kept pace.
People turned their heads as we passed, probably thinking we were lunatics. I kept running until we reached the spot where the diving coaches were instructing a group of young men. I rented gear and told the instructor I didn’t need lessons, since I had a diving license. He checked and nodded.
Through it all, Ashton stayed close. I strapped on my gear, and he did the same. I almost asked him where he’d gotten his license. I never knew he could dive.
But I bit my tongue.
Asking meant talking, and right now, that was the last thing I wanted.
I slipped into the water and swam a short distance.
But the day was perfect, the sea warm, which meant the shallower spots were crowded. I tried to take a few underwater photos, but all I got were heads and flailing arms.