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“No.” Rose couldn’t believe he’d do such a thing. Again.
“Turns out it was the ex he cheated on with you.”
“Seriously? Why would she go back to him?”
“Because Marc can be charming and conniving at the same time. Plus it was a way to stick it to you because you slept with Marc when he was her boyfriend.” Gray shook his head. “Anyway, Marc was too drunk to close the deal that night, but it really pissed his dad off. My uncle threatened to cut him out of the business and leave it all to me.”
“So he wanted to get back at you, too.”
“He asked the ex to send all those texts to his phone. He changed the contact information to show your name. Maggie knew you’d never hurt her or me like that, so she took his phone and called the number to confirm her suspicions that Marc had set it all up to get back at me, get you out of my life and his and Maggie’s, so that he could marry Maggie to satisfy his dad.”
“And have his ex on the side,” Rose guessed.
Gray confirmed that with his mouth set in a firm line. “Now he’s lost everything.”
“But how did your dad get him to drop the charges?”
“Marc forced that kiss on you, though he made it look like you kissed him. You have every right to file charges against him. But if you agree to not press charges, neither will he, and this will be over.”
“Are you sure?” Rose didn’t think so. “He’s a vengeful asshole.”
“Right now, I’m worried about the charges against you. My father can get them pleaded down, but you don’t want anything on your record. Marc doesn’t want that, either, even if he isn’t thinking clearly right now.”
“Where is he?”
“Being held inside by another officer with my dad and uncle waiting to find out if you agree to the deal.”
“Yes, if it will end this.”
Gray stuffed his hands in his pockets, his shoulders went slack, and he hung his head. “I’m so sorry, Rose.”
Rose stepped close and caught his eye. “None of this is your fault.”
He met her gaze, his earnest and apologetic. “I should have trusted you and believed in everything we’ve shared.”
“Those texts were damn good fake proof. If I’d been in your shoes, I might have needed a minute to figure things out, too.”
“For all the past pranks and taunts, I never thought he’d do something like this. It was cruel trying to break us up and ruin your friendship with Maggie.”
Rose frowned, and the pain inside her flared. She hated that Gray and Maggie were hurt because of her. “He couldn’t take the chance that I’d influence Maggie, though I never said anything against him. Not even when she asked me if she should marry him.”
“It had to be her decision,” Gray agreed.
“Marc made it for her.” Rose sighed. “I’m so grateful your father is helping me and you believe me and came out here to reassure me.”
“I’m not letting go of you ever again,” he assured her, and rubbed his hands up and down her arms. “I’d really like to take you back to my hotel where we can talk some more.”
Rose clanked the handcuffs again. “At the moment, I’m not going anywhere.”
“My dad is taking care of it. You should be released very soon. Definitely before the cops take you to booking. Then I hope you’ll come with me.”
Rose sighed. “I need to talk to Maggie. She must be so hurt and upset right now.”
“She’s busy letting everyone know the wedding is off. My uncle agreed to pay her parents back for whatever they spent. And I think she has plans to contact Joel.”
Rose didn’t doubt it, but Maggie would need some time. Rose would be there for her friend no matter what.
Gray cupped her face in his warm hands. “Rose, please, let me take care of you. You’ve got to be hungry. You look exhausted.”
