Accidentally Yours Chapter 05

Accidentally Yours Chapter 05

I was confused but didn’t think much of it.

Thorne chose a Napa Valley winery. Nice place. Quiet.

When ordering, he specifically told the waiter no chives or truffle oil.

I figured he disliked them too.

But then he looked at me, like he was saying it for my benefit.

“She hates chives and truffle oil.”

Wow.

He’d even done his homework on my little quirks.

My gut told me Thorne was buttering me up.

Why? Probably still for Isolde.

After all, I’m her sister.

I could see right through him.

All this charm, this attention. It wasn’t for me. It was for Isolde.

I was just the shortcut to the real prize.

And guys like him always knew which route was the fastest.

Annoyed, I couldn’t help but get a little sarcastic.

“Mr. Ashford is this thoughtful with everyone?”

Thorne handed the menu back to the waiter and met my eyes.

“Whatever do you mean, Elle?”

He was calling me Elle now, too?

“Nothing. I just wanted to remind Mr. Ashford of a couple things. One, we’re not that close. You can call me by my name. Two, I hope you understand that some chances, once missed, are gone forever. And besides, the other person has to feel the same way. Otherwise, it’s just harassment.”

Isolde’s engagement was in two days.

She and Dorian were solid, and I didn’t want anyone messing that up.

Thorne loved Isolde, but so did I.

Isolde had always been so good to me.

All I wanted was for her to be happy forever.

Thorne’s face went cold.

He gripped his glass, letting out a bitter laugh.

“Thanks for the advice.”

The rest of the meal was tense, both of us lost in our own thoughts.

My words seemed to have gotten through to him.

He barely said a word until he dropped me off.

He didn’t even bring up the “favor” he wanted to ask.

But I’m the type who can’t let it go if I don’t follow through.

Before getting out, I couldn’t help asking, “Hey, didn’t you say you had a question for me?”

Thorne’s hands rested on the steering wheel, his knuckles tapping a light rhythm.

He didn’t look at me, just stared straight ahead.

Quietly, he said, “Forget it. It doesn’t matter anymore.”

I’d loved him for so long, I could tell he was hurting.

I’d already taken that class on letting go three years ago.

So I understood how he felt.

But I couldn’t help him either.

Back inside, I passed a window and saw Thorne’s car still parked downstairs.

I replayed our conversation tonight.

Maybe I was a little too harsh.

Pretty cruel, actually.

I thought for a moment, then pulled out my phone and sent him one more message.

Look, I really am trying to help you. If it’s doomed from the start, better to let go early.

No reply.

Thorne completely ignored me.

Well, I guess I really pissed him off.

Whatever. Maybe this was for the best.

The next day, some old friends threw a little party to welcome me back.

I dolled myself up.

But the second I walked into the private room, I saw Thorne sitting smack in the middle.

He saw me too, but only for a second before looking away.

Still mad, huh.