Behind The Proposal novel Chapter 48

"What?" Gabe sat up but then winced and put his head in his hands.

"You heard me," Tom growled, focussing on the anger instead of the fear. It was just another mess that he had to clean up. "This all stops. Now, Gabe."

"Whatever."

"Not whatever. I now have to go and collect your belongings from the remains of your car, and then fly back to Hawaii to deal with the mess you left there and then appoint a new manager," Tom grumbled. "I already have enough on my plate," he muttered under his breath.

"I'm sure you'll deal with it, Mr Goody-two-shoes."

"That is enough!" Tom roared. "And you had better behave while I'm gone." With that he walked out and slammed the door shut.

"Just let him cool off." Sophie prompted as she wound her arms around his waist.

"He doesn't seem to care," Tom shook his head. He couldn't believe how unaffected his brother was about everything.

"I'm sure he does," Sophie murmured as she looked at the closed bedroom door. "He's probably in shock over what could have happened and still a little drunk. Maybe it'll do you both good to have some space for a few days."

"Maybe," Tom sighed. He was hoping to only be gone a week, but he was going to miss her and Jasmine.

"I can try to talk to him while you're away. Maybe he might listen to someone other than you or your family?" she offered.

"You don't have to do that," Tom shook his head. He couldn't put that on Sophie. Gabe was his brother and he'd deal with him when he got back. "I'm just hoping he'll behave while I'm gone. I'd hate for Mum or you to be called out in the middle of the night to collect him from the police station, or hospital." He knew he needed to trust Gabe, but it was difficult. "Are you sure you'll be alright while I'm gone?"

"I have lived by myself before," she smiled as she ran her hands through his hair. "But I will miss you."

"I'll miss you too," he murmured and planted his lips on hers and gave her a lingering kiss.

"No, you're wrong," she denied, still shaking her head. Tom couldn't have done what Gabe had said, surely? Why else would he have rushed the wedding? No, she couldn't think like that. It wasn't true.

"So he's declared his love for you then, has he?" Gabe said overdramatically.

"Well, no," she murmured before she could think better of it. It was none of his business, and she was starting to wonder if he was making it all up. But why would he?

"I think I've said enough," Gabe sighed. "I'm going to call a cab and leave you to think about that."

Sophie just stared after him as he disappeared into the spare bedroom and closed the door.

The world she'd lived in for the past few months had suddenly become a different place - a scary place - and she didn't know what to think of any of it. She thought about calling Tom, but he'd only deny it. She didn't even know what to say to him.

Sophie stumbled to her bedroom and closed the door behind her so she could have some privacy to think about what Gabe had said. Only when she heard the front door close did she let the tears flow. Herheart felt like it had been ripped in two. Tom didn't love her. He'd never loved her. He'd used her. She couldn't believe she'd fallen for it. Why did everyone in this world walk all over her?