Page 78 of Twilight Tides
“I think Murray would still like to know Nick upset you this morning,” Tierney replied.
“I’m not sure.”
At that, I scowled, wondering if London didn’t fully trust me.
But then I heard her explain, “I think there’s something going on at work that has him super stressed. That, on top of this whole situation with Kelly and Jill … I just don’t want to add to his problems.”
Frustration almost had me revealing myself, but Tierney spoke again, “I don’t think Murray sees you as a problem. He cares about you.”
“Murray cares about everyone. That’s just who he is.”
“I think he cares a little more about you than most. He looks at you like you’re something special.”
Blood rushed in my ears. I hadn’t known I was so obvious.
London’s next words shocked the hell out of me.
“Murray doesn’t … he’s not interested in me for real. Every time I think there might be something between us, he pulls back. The first time I knew he wasn’t into me was at New Year’s when I danced with him and then he backed off right away. Then I thought maybe he was just being careful with me because he’d guessed what I’d been through. He’s very perceptive. But now I know it’s not that. He made it very clear these past few days that I shouldn’t confuse what’s happening in our relationship.”
What?My thoughts reeled as I tried to replay our recent interactions.
“How so?” Tierney sounded as confused as I felt.
“He pretty much ignored me after we kissed at the Lantern. Severe back-off vibes.” Her laugh sounded hollow and hurt.
And that fucking hurt me.
She thought I was perceptive?
Well apparently, I was not. At all.
I’d been so busy trying to make London feel safe around me … I’d gone too far.
Deciding now was not the moment to confront her about this, I hurried quietly away and slipped out of the B and B.
Through my frustration, I felt my blood heat as I jumped into my SUV. Anticipation started to build, cutting through all my worries and stress.
London Wetherspoon wanted me.
I wanted it to be real between us.
Of course I did.
However, I planned to take Cammie’s advice and trust London withallthe information. Once she had it, it was up to her to decide if she wanted to stay in my life. I hoped she did. And if she did … I wouldn’t hold back how I really felt any longer.
29.London
Nee convinced me to finish up early at the B and B and return to the house to rest after the panic attack. Truthfully, I didn’t want to rest, but I did have the urge to lose myself in playing piano. I’d stopped in at Pages & Perks for a to-go cup of coffee, and three separate islanders complained about my honesty box being empty that morning.
I’d been stunned at first.
Because I’d forgotten.
I’d been so caught up with Kelly and Murray and Nick … I’d forgotten to bake yesterday.
Feeling guilty that I’d disappointed them, I promised them there would be treats in the honesty box tomorrow and to spread the word. My next stop was to buy ingredients from the store before heading back to the house.
As expected, no one was home when I returned. Striding into the kitchen, I dumped the ingredients on the island and then wandered next door to put on some music. Connecting my phone to Murray’s sound system, I found a Rhodes playlist on a streaming app. With one last longing glance at the piano, I sauntered into the kitchen to get busy baking. The pastries wouldn’t make it into tomorrow’s box since they took three daysto make, but I decided to prep them so I could fill the honesty box at the weekend to make up for forgetting, so I worked on those first. Murray’s kitchen might lack personality, but it did not lack equipment, for which I was grateful.
