Chapter 74 Clash
I look up and my face falls. It's not. Maybe I really am jinxed...
"James, what are you doing here?" I ask indifferently, as I continue to work on the order in front of me. I really don't know if I can look at him without completely blowing up in his face! That bastard has a lot of nerve showing up here today... I should've just sent the damn text!
"Well, I haven't seen you in a while. I was wondering if you'd like to go out tonight?" He asks, trying to take me in his arms, giving me his brightest smile. I wonder how long he's been practicing that one.
Out of a reflex, I flinch away from him. I don't want his filthy hands to touch me. Not after all those other woman they've been on! The thought disgusts me.
I know Rick has been with other women too, but he was never dating me, so he wasn't cheating on me. He was just being an asshole. But that is nowhere near as painful as what James has done. Not because I loved him, but because he used me and took advantage of my trust. Never again!
"No. I don't think I can do that, James." I state, neutrally, still dancing out of his reach. I would rather step in dog shit than have his hands on me right now.
"Baby... Is something wrong?" he asks, with a little puppy frown on his face. He does not get to give me that face! I'm not the one who was cheating on him... Well, Rick did kiss me, but I wasn't sleeping around! And it was only Rick, not countless men.
"Oh, you mean like the fact you've been caught sleeping around again when you promised you'd stop?" I shrug, trying to keep my voice calm, even though I wanted to throw the vase at his head... I'm sure Hailey would understand!
I can see her from the corner of my eye, keeping a close eye on the two of us. Not because she's worried I would hurt him, but because she doesn't want him to hurt me any more.
James freezes. I see panic on his face. "I... I don't know what you are talking about... I don't know what you've heard, but it's lies," he tries to convince me. There is no way he could convince me that that face! It's shifty and nervous. The dude should never play poker!
"Really? And what about all the videos and pictures Rick showed me yesterday?" I demand, finally putting down the flowers so I don't crush them out of frustration. They don't deserve my wrath!
And then James snarls, "He swore he would keep his mouth shut!" he rages, as he begins to pace back and forth in front of our little shop. He looks damn pissed. Well, so am I!
" And just what exactly was he supposed to keep his mouth shut about, James?" I mock, knowing full well he can't answer that without giving away the fact he's been lying. That's fine. I don't really need an answer anyway. I'm so done with his bullshit.
He clenches his jaw. "Baby, it wasn't what it looked like..."
"Isn't that the exact words you'd already told me when you said you were done with Britt? And didn't you say and I quote 'Baby please! Just one more chance! You won’t regret it!'? Well, guess what James? I REGRET IT! I regret ever giving you a second chance. I regret trusting you with my heart. I regret thinking you were mature enough to change! I regret every damn thing!" I rant, running my fingers through my hair in an attempt to ground me to something solid.
"Baby... It was a mistake..." He swallows hard, looking at me with pain in his eyes. I don't know if I even believe the emotion. He's probably rehursed this look multiple times. I can't believe I fell for it already.
"What was a mistake, James? Me, because I agree with that! Or are you talking about each and every one of the 26 girls you had been screwing around behind my back?" I demand.
James face went pale. "Y-you saw... all of them?" he swallows again. I don't know why he's still here. I already told him it was over. What does he want? Obviously it isn't me.
"You think Rick would keep it from me after you slept with another woman yesterday morning? He said he also gave you another chance... And you screwed that up too. So I'm done, James! Just leave. Go back to Britt and the others. I don't need you any more."
"No. Josie, you don't understand! You need to stay with me! If you'd just have had sex with me I wouldn't be looking for it-" he tried to save himself by spinning all of this on me, but he was cut off.
The door bell rang again.
"Josie," Rick says stepping up to me. "Tell me you are finally kicking this bastard to the side and coming home with me!" he demands. "Marry me, Josie."
I look between the two of them and open my mouth to give him my final answer.
"Yes, Rick. I'll marry you," I state, knowing it's going to piss off James. But I don't care any more. I deserve to be loved, don't I?