No sooner had Eadan arrived home, did he begin to see the error of his ways. The text message from Graeme calling him a dim-witted chump might have had something to do with him unravelling the web of stupidity from his mind and opening up his brain to clear thinking. But he liked to think he would have reached that place himself.
The two back-to-back surgeries he’d handled for eight hours before the dinner hadn’t helped him see things straight. Again… that was no excuse for his obtuseness with Remi. He’d acted like a cad—a rotten one, if her dejection was anything to go by.
Remi had shown up for him as promised, and just because she’d looked dazzling in a dress that he’d had trouble keeping his eyes from peeling off her was in no way the poor girl’s fault. She didn’t know how much he’d looked forward to his nice Remi appearing; the homely girl with the larger body he’d envisioned cuddling. Or the clean face he could touch without any worries that he’d smear her makeup. Most of all, the soft curls his hands had itched to visit.
Like a child, he’d clung to that vision of her throughout the many weeks he’d spent away. Once he’d known she was coming, he’d imagined her warmth and comfortable presence and it had soothed his ego.
With his Remi, he wouldn’t ever have to worry about other men wanting to steal her away; she wasn’t the sort that sent out those vibes. With his Remi, he could relax his guard because she’d be so thankful for his attention, she’d lavish all her love on him. With his Remi, he could trust her…trust her to belong only to him.
Only she wasn’t his Remi at all. Not now. He’d spoiled everything with his cruel behavior and cold shoulder. There was no excuse for his actions. But to give the devil his due, he had to admit that the exquisite model who’d stepped out of the elevator had scared the stuffing out of him. He’d felt robbed of all his dreams, and like a silly spoilt child he’d pouted and had treated her abominably.
Grabbing his keys, he headed for the door. No matter how tired he was, he couldn’t sleep knowing that she was hurting and it was his fault. He had to make things right and see if he still had a chance.
He realised that it didn’t matter that the woman was a beauty and he’d sworn off that type. In her case, he knew in his heart, it wasn’t skin deep.
A quick call to the hotel and his heart dropped like a sledge hammer. The phone in her bedroom ringing out was an indication that he’d better wake up and pay attention if he didn’t want to ruin the best thing that had ever happened to him.
She’d left and he had to catch her. Explain the unexplainable. That he’d wanted her old self, the chubby, plain girl he’d fallen in love with. Not the fashion model who’d shown up tonight.
Surely he could explain it all… Oh God!