Page 50 of Objection to Love
The air rushed from Em, and it took all her skill as a lawyer to maintain a stoic expression. “You and Noah?”
A tinkling laugh. “No, silly, me and Garrett.”
“My condolences.”
A tiny frown marred Jenica’s perfectly symmetrical face as she puzzled out Em’s words. Good. Em had meant her condolences for Garrett, not Jenica—not that the perky woman could know that.
“We were perfect together.”
“Mmhmm.” Discreetly, she checked the tree line for the guys. Nothing.
“And it’s only a matter of time before we get back together.”
That brought Em’s eyes back to Jenica’s. She knew Jenica was only trying to egg her on and make her back off from Garrett, but the revelations still hurt more than Em could have expected. She straightened, finally standing from the rock she’d used to slip her shoes on. “How long ago did you break up?”
Jenica folded her arms across her chest. “Three years.”
Em nearly laughed with relief and entertainment. “If it’s been three years, I think it may be time to move on. Something tells me that ship has sailed.”
“Because of you, hmm?” Jenica’s lips pursed together, and her eyes narrowed.
“No. Because of you.”
Jenica’s expression turned thunderous. “Well, just know that Garrett Clarke isn’t available. Not for you or anyone. You may think he’s interested, but he’s really just passing the time before he moves to his next job site. You’re only a distraction.”
The words hit a little too close to home, but Em’s logical side was able to brush them off. This woman was clearly possessive and vindictive, and Em would do well to ignore anything she said.
“Thanks for the heads up.”
Jenica opened her mouth to say more, but the men trotting toward them with bags slung over their backs and mostly dry shirts clinging to them stopped her. Praise the heavens.
She had about two seconds to appreciate the pair of them, one dark-haired, one light, and both sporting incredible physiques, before they stopped in front of her and Jenica.
“Ready?” Garrett asked her, gaze roaming her face.
Em wondered if he was thinking about a couple hours ago, when he asked her the same thing before tossing her unceremoniously into the lake. Her mouth twitched into a smile at the thought.
She nodded, and Garrett held out his hand. Taking it felt natural, and his warmth sent a wave of feeling up her spine.
He pulled her toward the path and led her down the trail without waiting for Noah and Jenica. They walked in silence for a few minutes, the sounds of nature peacefully surrounding them. She might not admit it to Garrett, but this day had been nearly perfect. She hadn’t realized how much she missed slowing down, spending time with people, and swimming. That last one surprised her the most.
Occasionally, Em or Garrett made a remark on something or asked a question, but ultimately, they ended up just enjoying each other’s company until they were passing the midpoint of their hike down.
“So… what’s the history with you and Jenica?” Em asked eventually. She wasn’t exactly jealous over what the woman had told her, but it would be nice to hear Garrett refute it either way.
He groaned. “Just your average relationship gone wrong. It’s been years though.”
Em picked her way around a divot in the trail. “She seems to, ah, affect you still.”
Garrett slowed, glancing at her. His hair had dried and was sticking up at the back. She forced her hand not to smooth the rogue strands.
“Don’t get me wrong, I’m not exactly happy she’s here. But not because I’m hung up on her or anything. Honestly, I just hate the reminder of the person I was when I dated her. Almost married her, if I’m being honest.”
His eyes shot to hers, and she kept her expression neutral. “It frustrates me to think about how long I let myself stay in a relationship that was going nowhere fast. Maybe she’ll make some guy happy someday… but I’m just glad I realized before it was too late that I was never going to be that guy. Sorry if my mood has affected your afternoon.”
She tucked her hands behind her back. “Not at all. I was just curious.”
“Does this mean I get to dig into your dating history now too?”
