Kent Ashton's Backstory (Prequel to Catching Kent) by Ruth Ann Nordin

Author:Ruth Ann Nordin
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: money, scandal, greed, manipulation, family conflict, catching kent, falling in love with her husband

Chapter Eight

Kent’s gaze went to Ann who was dancing with Todd. Todd. Of all the men she could have chosen to go to the ball with, it had to be Todd. No doubt her father had arranged it. From across the room, he could tell she wasn’t happy, and what was worse was knowing that he’d only added to her misery by coming here with Rebecca.

His gaze went to his father who was laughing at something Mr. Johnson said. His father glanced his way, and Kent quickly looked away. What could he do? His course was set. By his own actions, he’d sealed his future…and Ann’s. Ann would probably marry Todd, even though she didn’t want to. Fathers had a way of making sure what they wanted happened.

“Kent’s been very attentive to my every need,” Rebecca told Debra who stood across from them with her dance partner. “Our parents are delighted of course. And why wouldn’t they be? You know how well they get along.”

Kent forced his attention back to Rebecca and smiled. Indeed, their parents got along extremely well. Had his father gotten along with Ann’s father, he never would have gotten drunk that night and he wouldn’t be in this position now. Nor would he have subjected Ann to a life she never wanted. He took a deep breath to ease his guilt. God help him but he didn’t think he’d ever forgive himself for getting drunk that night.

Debra said something that made Rebecca laugh, jarring his attention back to her. He needed to focus on Rebecca instead of stealing glances in Ann’s direction. He couldn’t change the past. He’d deflowered Rebecca. The least he could do was give her his undivided attention.

“Would you like to dance?” he asked her as the orchestra got ready to play the next song.

“I’d love to,” Rebecca agreed and joined him on the floor where the other couples assembled for the next dance.

As the music started, he tried not to look in Ann’s direction but couldn’t help it. Todd was talking to her and she was shaking her head. The two headed for the veranda, which was out of his view.

Rebecca followed his gaze and sighed. “I’m sorry, Kent.”

Surprised, he turned his attention to her. “You have nothing to be sorry for.”

She glanced at their fathers, a flicker of uncertainty crossing her face.

He sensed she wanted to say something but decided against it. Instead, she offered him a tentative smile. “I know this isn’t the way you wanted things to be.” After a moment, she added, “It must be hard to watch Ann with Todd.”

He hesitated. While it would be a lie if he denied it, he didn’t want to admit it either.

“I understand. Some things are better left unsaid.”

He gave her a slight nod. It was the most he was willing to offer.

“I hope you don’t grow to detest me,” she whispered.

“Why would I do that?”

“Because I’m not her.”

“I won’t grow to detest you,” he promised. “I will never deny my responsibility for how things turned out.

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