His expression didn’t budge, and with a shake of her head, she started to walk out. But she stopped and met his gaze one last time. “I want you to know that I really wasn’t keeping the new business plans from you. I’d already decided I wanted to stay here, in the city. Good luck in San Diego.”

“When did you make that decision?” he asked.

“Not that it matters, but I decided the night you came to my house and asked me what happened between us. And you know what? If back when your dad had gotten sick, you’d wanted me to stay with you, I would have. I’d have given up everything to be with you. I even asked if I could, and you said no. You had to bear the burden alone. You never asked me to stay. And now I know why. Because if you had, you couldn’t be the martyr right now, standing there all righteous and blaming me for all of this.” And with that, she walked out.

Daisy exited the boat and strode up the docks, getting a text that her Lyft was pulling into the lot. The only thing to go right so far.

Chapter 10

Diego couldn’t have said what he did with the day. It was just getting dark when he once again found himself standing outside Rocco’s door. When his brother opened up, he looked surprised before sliding a look past Diego, clearly looking for something.

“What?” Diego asked.

“Where’s Daisy?”

Already on shaky ground and not really sure why he was there, Diego shook his head. “I don’t know.”

“Okay. It’s only the eve of my wedding, and you’ve lost my wedding planner. No big deal.” Rocco met his gaze. “Why do you look like someone just died?”

“Babe, don’t badger him on the doorstep,” Tyler said, coming up behind Rocco. “You invite him in so we can badger him with some privacy.”

They led Diego to the kitchen where Tyler had a full spread of food going. He piled a plate sky-high and handed it to Diego, who shook his head. “No thanks.”

“Shit,” Rocco said, taking the plate meant for Diego. “If he’s not hungry, something’s really wrong. What did you do?”

Diego blew out a breath. “Pissed her off.”

“You could do that by breathing.”

Tyler shook his head at Rocco. “Okay, so you pissed her off, and then you...what? Just let her go?” Tyler asked.

“Well, yeah,” Diego said. “It’s not like I had options. I couldn’t make her stay and talk to me.”

“Oh, honey,” Tyler said in a tone that said he really meant you’re such an idiot as he shook his head. “I mean, you’re right, you can’t make a woman do anything she doesn’t want to do. Or anyone for that matter. But you could have tried to make her want to stay and have it out with you. Women need to feel appreciated and adored.” He flashed a quick smile at Rocco. “Well, some men do too, but I’m told it’s a non-negotiable requirement for a woman.”