Chapter 17 - Lesley
Connor had just told me that he wanted to give everything back, and I had no idea what he could possibly mean by that.
“I can see you look confused,” he said and I stared at him, trying to not think about how hot he looked. It was one thing to try and hate him when I couldn’t see him, but now that he was here, asking me for my forgiveness . . . It was more than just difficult to keep despising him. I couldn’t. He was just too handsome, too charming . . . and I could remember everything he had done to my body.
“Lesley, I’ve asked the banks to transfer the funds back into your dad’s account,” he said and I squinted at him in confusion. How was that even possible?
“What funds? What are you talking about?” I asked and sat down on the chair again with a thump.
“The funds that he lost, his savings . . . I’ve transferred them back to him,” Connor said and I shook my head.
“You had his money all along?” I asked. My heart was beginning to beat wildly in my chest. Connor took in a deep breath and then shook his head.
“No. Not technically, but I gave him bad advice. I behaved recklessly with his money and it made me richer. So, in my eyes, I have the money that truly belongs to him,” Connor explained. I stared at him open-mouthed. His blue eyes looked dim and soft, his dirty blond shoulder length hair slicked back. He had taken some time with his appearance, unlike his usual self on the days at the ranch. He was in a buttoned up plaid shirt and clean dark jeans. His boots weren’t dusty today, either. Somewhere in my soul, I smiled a little at the thought that he had put in an effort to make a good impression on me. That had to mean something right?
“We don’t need your charity, Connor,” I said instead. I couldn’t forgive him, no matter how much my body protested. The truth was still out there.
“It’s not charity. I’m giving back what I owe your family. It should be in your dad’s account by the end of the day tomorrow once the bank has cleared my request. Please let him know that I’m very sorry and that I know I should have done it sooner. I just never had the guts to admit it to myself until I met you,” Connor said and stared down at his feet.
I couldn’t say anything. I couldn’t protest anymore. It stung my pride to accept such a huge amount of money from him, but I knew the difference it would make for my family. My dad would have his dignity back, and maybe things could get back to normal around here. Maybe I could even go to college!
Connor looked up at me after a few moments of silence. I gulped because I was searching for the right words to say. I didn’t know whether to thank him or throw him out of the house.
“I’m going to leave now, Lesley. I’m sorry to have troubled you. I should have known that bringing you into my life would have caused you nothing but heartache,” he said and my breasts began to heave. There was so much I wanted to say. I just couldn’t find the right words.
“I will always love you and I will cherish these last three weeks we shared,” he said and pulled out a wrapped square box from the pocket of his jeans. I watched in silence as he placed the box down on the kitchen table and then stepped away from it.
“I was meaning to give this to you, but you left and I didn’t have the chance. Take care of yourself, Lesley,” Connor said and before I could say anything, he had turned around and walked out of the kitchen.
I didn’t follow him. I couldn’t. I knew what would happen if I did. I wouldn’t have been able to hold back all the emotions running through my veins.
I heard the front door open and close and with shaking fingers, I reached for the box on the table. I slid open the ribbon and then hurriedly tore open the wrapping paper. A navy velvet jewelry box lay inside. With my breath caught in my throat, I opened the box slowly.
I gasped and it nearly fell out of my hand as I stared at what was inside: a blindingly sparkling diamond ring with sapphires running down the band of the ring. I held it up, staring straight into its shimmering facets and then I slipped it onto my left ring finger. It fit perfectly. How had he known my ring size? How did he know which ring I would like?
I yanked it off my finger, placed it back in the box, and snapped it shut. I didn’t know what this ring could possibly mean and I didn’t want to think about it. This could drive me crazy . . . I didn’t want to trust him anymore. Not after everything that had happened.
“What did Connor Marshall want with you, honey?” my mom’s voice cut through my thoughts. She was standing at the kitchen door, looking worried as she stared at me. I tried slipping the box discreetly from the table and on to my lap. I forced a smile on my face and looked at her kindly.
“Everything is going to be all right, mom. Maybe you should call dad and ask him to come home. I have something to say to you both,” I said to her. Our lives were about to change, and I couldn’t wait to tell them.