“If you’re unwilling to do all it takes, then you sure as hell don’t deserve her and you should just stay away,” she told him.

She wasn’t kidding. He could see it in her eyes. Why was it that everyone kept telling him he didn’t deserve her? Maybe there was some truth to it.

Nick leaned his head back against the wall and thought about it. Was he willing to give up his pride for Chloe? Without hesitation he realized he was. He would do anything for her. He didn’t want to keep existing in a world where she wasn’t a part of his life. She’d stormed in during the worst possible time and had made the sun come out again. How had he not realized that much sooner?

“Tell me where she is,” he demanded as he leapt to his feet. Dakota scrambled to hers, not liking the serious height advantage, though it didn’t help much when she was up, not even with her heels.

“Why should I tell you?” she asked. She was analyzing him, and he realized he had to be open with her.

“Because I love her enough to do whatever it takes,” he assured her.

She looked at him so long and intensely he began to squirm in front of her. He didn’t want to mess this up. He could find Chloe, but he didn’t know how long it would take him. And given the way he felt at the moment, he didn’t want even one more day to go by without her in his arms.

“Please,” he said, the word never coming out more heartfelt.

She sighed. “If you mess this up, then you’re going to have me to deal with,” she threatened.

Nick didn’t tell her he found that amusing. He also sympathized with whatever man was brave enough to have to deal with her. She’d be a handful. He cringed. She glared. If she even knew the thought he’d just had, he’d get his ass seriously kicked.

Dakota took a piece of paper from her purse and wrote down an address. “She’ll be here tonight.” She held on to the paper as he gripped it. Their eyes met, and understanding passed between them.

Finally, Dakota let go of the paper. Then without saying another word, she turned around and exited his house. She didn’t bother shutting the door. Nick chuckled. Dang, she’d been a whirlwind. And since he planned on marrying Chloe, he guessed Dakota was going to be a part of his life. That was a terrifying thought.

Nick quickly went and made a cup of coffee. He slammed it down before making a second. Then he rushed to his room. He had to clean himself up before he could go find Chloe. If she saw him in the state he was in, she’d most likely run in the opposite direction.

Of course that didn’t matter much. He wouldn’t ever be such a fool as to let her go again. Nick smiled as he shaved. He was going where his heart was leading him―and he felt good about it.

CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

Chloe sat in the background as people laughed and talked, drinking and having a great time. Dakota’s family was a bit crazy, but they were loving and wonderful, so much nicer than her own. They’d embraced her from the very first moment Dakota had brought her home with her, and they’d been wonderful to her ever since.

Even though she normally loved Dakota’s huge family get-togethers, she was trying desperately to keep her smile in place this time. She was doing better, much better, in fact, than the previous few weeks, but it still felt like a piece of her was missing. And because of that, she was faking a lot more enthusiasm than she normally would.

She felt alone and wanted to go home, but Dakota had made her promise she would come. Maybe in an hour or so she could escape without it looking like she was running away. She’d have to wait and see. For now, she was there, and she was nodding at all the right times and laughing when expected. She was getting very good at that. Maybe she should take up acting as a second career choice.

It was just so difficult when she was in love with a man who didn’t want to be with her. The sooner the emotions dwindled and died, the sooner she would feel better. It would happen in time. Dakota had assured her of that. She almost wished she’d never met him. But to wish that would be to take away her memories, and there was nothing worth taking those away. She’d rather suffer.

When it was safe to get up and move away, she feigned thirst and went to the large bar to order a glass of wine. Then she snuck down the hallway and slipped into Dakota’s bedroom. Her friend was playing a wild game of Twister and most likely wouldn’t notice her absence. She hoped at least. She was wrong. It didn’t take two minutes for Dakota to hunt her down.

“You aren’t having fun, are you?” her friend said with understanding eyes.

“Of course I am,” Chloe assured her. “I just have a bit of a headache and wanted to come lie down for a minute. I promise I’ll be back out soon,” Chloe finished with a bright smile as she lifted her hand to her head to make the lie more convincing.

Dakota gave her that look only a best friend could manage and then smiled at her. She came and sat down next to her and put her arm around her, squeezing.

“I love you to pieces, but you’ve always been a terrible liar,” Dakota told her.

“I think I’ve been doing exceptionally well,” Chloe countered.

“Ah, sweetie.” Dakota sighed. “It will work out. I think he’s hurting just as badly as you are.”

The words made Chloe want to hope, and that was a dangerous emotion. She couldn’t afford to feel that way. It had been a month and Nick was still gone. It was over, and she needed to move on.

“This is a nice day with your family. Please don’t let me bring you down. I promise, after I have a few minutes to myself, I will come out smiling and laughing. I might even beat you at a game of Twister,” she assured her.