Stryker

Creatures of habit.

They turned to me as I entered, a frown on both of their brows, and it was all the clue I needed to know that they’d been talking about me.

“Come sit,” my mom patted the chair beside her with a quick glance at Dad. It was as though she’d asked permission, except my father’s gaze stayed unwavering on me.

“I’m heading back soon, and I need to say something that I don’t think you’re going to like?” I dropped into the seat offered, my heart heavy.

I glanced between my parents, sighed, and admitted, “I’m not marrying Patrick.”

As expected, my mom gasped and grabbed hold of my father’s wrist, her eyes were wide. She opened her mouth as though to argue and then closed it, completely stunned by my confession. My father met my gaze as my eyes filled with tears. I was positive they’d be disappointed in me. All that money, all those months of planning. The problem it would cause having to send back gifts, phone guests and cancel all the arrangements. I hated myself a little for waiting so long and I was so worried that they would hate me too. My dad nodded, silently telling me to go ahead and explain.

My nerves jumped but I’d started so there was no reason why I couldn’t get through this. “I’ve tried to get Patrick alone all weekend to break it all off, but he’s been evasive. It’s as though he knows what I’m going to say, and doesn’t want to hear it. The thing is I know he doesn’t love me so I don’t know why he’d want to go ahead with the wedding.”

“Oh, honey.” Mom patted my hand. “I know what’s wrong with you.” She looked cheerful all of a sudden, which didn’t bode well. “You’re having pre-wedding jitters. That’s all it is. A case of cold feet but it will pass. I know it did for me. Go back to the city and carry on as normal and then we’ll see you on the weekend.” She hugged me and left the room, whistling of all things.

I turned to my father, bewildered. He wore a frown as his gaze followed my mother from the room. Almost wearily he turned back to me. “It’s more than pre-wedding jitters, isn’t it?”

“Yes.”

“You need to talk to Patrick as soon as you get back and tell him. I’ll talk to your mother and help her sort everything out. But today or tomorrow, Evie because we’ll need to put the announcement out as soon as he knows.”

I jumped up and wrapped my arms around my father’s neck, crying. “Thank you.”

He patted my shoulders in an awkward manner, which had me laughing out loud. As I pulled away, he looked puzzled at my sudden change in emotion. So I explained, “I was upset about disappointing you and Mom. I guess Mom still thinks the weddings going ahead until you’ve spoken to her, but it’s such a relief having told you.”

“I bet it is, honey. It’s Sunday today, so we’ll wait until tomorrow to start cancelling everything. We’ll start with the venues and our family but you need to tell Patrick so he isn’t suddenly surprised. Just call and let us know when you’ve spoken to him.”

“I will. Thank you.” I hugged him again, and grabbing my iPad and cell, headed to the front door where my bags waited.

I’d quickly get home, change, and head to the gym to find out what happened last night. I wasn’t sure if Stryker would be around the day after a fight, but at least I’d hopefully find out what had happened and how he was, even if I had to use research as an excuse.

Chapter 16 ~ Stryker

I HAD NOTHING BETTER to do on a Sunday afternoon so I headed to the gym and did what I knew best. Beating out my frustration with the bag. The only thing about last night that I was pissed about was leaving the hotel without the cell. Okay, maybe not the only thing because I hadn’t been able to stop wondering about my father. I’d wanted to talk to Evie about him, but, of course, no cell. I’d had it for hardly five minutes when I’d had to leave it hidden in the ceiling tiles. Stupid. At the time, it was the only place I could think of that wouldn’t be searched the minute I left the room.

Now though, I was back to square one with no way of contacting Evie. Even Carter had stayed out of my way since we came back, which I was glad about. I sensed that we’d established some sort of friendship, and with the mood that I was in, I didn’t want to damage something that I hadn’t had before because I liked it. I liked being able to talk to someone else who wasn’t involved with the men responsible for me.

Everything I’d ever had had been taken away from me so I only prayed that somehow, someway, I’d be able to keep hold of Evie, and my friendship with Carter.

Only time would tell.

Nearly every five minutes I’d been glancing at the clock wondering what Evie was doing. Wondering whom she was with. Hating the fact that she’d gone away with another man; a man I knew she was afraid of.

The more I let that rile me up, the more I pounded the bag in front of me. My muscles flexed, my hands clenched together tight in the gloves, and my feet danced around the bag…but, it wasn’t enough.

I wanted Patrick in front of me, but more than anything I wanted his father. At least from what Evie had said, I thought the ‘Irishman’ was his father. I’d have my minute of revenge one day. I lived for that.

But then she walked in and my concentration went straight to hell, so much so that the bag bounced back and banged into me. I caught it and leaned against it as though I was having a rest, and watched her.

The minute our eyes met, hers did a quick once over of me, and then a more leisurely one. A frown appeared on her brow as though she was worried about me.

She looked beautiful in her sandals and little summers dress. Her hair flowed in shiny locks down her back. There was a lot of leg on display, which made my mouth water. Beautiful. Sexy.

When she moved to walk toward me, Carter stepped in her way. Her frown deepened.

I knew that I couldn’t stay and watch her because if I did she’d be in my arms. The place that I needed her the most.

Turning, I headed toward the showers and kept my head down. There was only one way in and out of the locker room so it had become one of my favorite places.