“No relationship is perfect, Quinnie.”
“I know, but I thought I could be happy with what we had. I…I thought I could be content because my relationship with Rhys was certainly more than my parents have. Rhys and I had more together than I’d ever felt with guys I’ve dated in the past, too. But then…I knew.”
“The day of the wedding,” Ana said softly. “That’s why you sent me away isn’t it? To get the sodas?”
“Not really. I mean, I did feel sick, and I wanted the soda, but I thought some time alone would allow me to pull myself together. But then…I kind of lost my mind for a bit.”
“I’ll say you did.” Ana breathed softly. “Quinley, promise me you won’teverdo something so stupid again. You could’ve died.”
She lifted her gaze and met Ana’s. “I’ve already promised Elias, but—I won’t do it again.”
Ana’s expression stilled as she frowned, her gaze taking on a curious stare.
“Speaking of Elias… You spent a week with him.”
“I did,” she said before taking a sip of her coffee. It had cooled to the perfect temp, and she gulped down another. “He’s a nice guy.”
“Yes, he is.”
The hard warning note in Ana’s voice was unmistakable. “We’re just friends, Ana.”
“And that’s why Rhys stopped into my boutique yesterday to ask me how long you’ve been kissing Elias?”
Quinley choked a bit on her coffee and set the mug aside. “It’s not like that.”
“What’s it like then?”
Oh, when Ana got all mama bear, she really didn’t hide it. “Elias and I disagree on food,” she explained. “He didn’t like me eating junk food, and we got into it, and that led to him chasing me, and when he caught me—I kissed him.”
“Why?”
“Why? Have you seen Elias?”
“Have youseenyour ex-fiancé?” Ana countered, giving her a pointed glare.
Quinley waved a hand. “I was…teasing Elias. He’s so uptight and stern and all about control, and I wanted him to let loose a little.”
“Bykissinghim?”
“That, and by having fun. It was just a kiss, but we were racing around the cabin, and when Elias tackled me to the couch, I must’ve screamed loud enough the guards heard, and they came bursting through the door. I asked Axel not to mention it to Rhys because I knew it would hurt him but… Obviously he did.”
“So you’re just friends? There’s nothing going on between you and Elias? Did you…hook up?”
“No,” Quinley said, glad she was able to speak true. “Wekissed. That’s it. Elias was a perfect gentleman. He…helped me as I processed things, and I will always be grateful for that.”
Ana finished her coffee and set the cup aside. “Rhys wants to see you. Today. He said as soon as you got back.”
Quinley hugged her arms around her front and squeezed. “That was another reason not to ride with the guards. I knew they’d take me straight to him and not bring me here first.”
“Have you spoken with your parents?”
“No, I need to do that, too. I’m starting my own company, by the way. Elias helped me see that I’m ready to make some more changes in my life. Rhys and…my job. I don’t want to work for my father anymore.”
“I’ve been telling you that for years.”
“Yeah, well, now’s the turning point, and I’m finally ready.” Quinley shoved herself to her feet, moving to where Ana sat.
Quinley leaned over the chair and hugged her best friend. “I’m sorry, and I thank you foreverythingyou’ve done for me and endured this last week, and I love you.”
