Page 125 of Scandalous Lover

I smile at the story, wishing I could enjoy it a bit more. Something about the hero of the tale being the love of my life now in limbo detracts from the punch line a bit.

“Tell me a story that doesn’t involve you know who,” I beg, pouring myself another glass of sangria.

Avery huffs out a laugh. “I was told to butter you up so you’ll forgive him. I’m going to be in trouble if Fran gets back and I haven’t done my job.”

I flop back in my chaise, shielding my eyes from the sun glinting off the pool in Fran and Avery’s back yard.This place never fails to amaze me. A villa tucked into the jungle, so opulent and over the top that it was probably built by the mob.

I’m hiding out here after coming back from town with noreal plan. It wasn’t my intention to spill my secrets to Avery, but after the straightening out I got from the village elders, I decided it didn’t matter anymore. I need honesty and friendship, and the shoulder I found to lean on is attached to this unbelievably handsome, perfectly sculpted billionaire.

I don’t know how Fran sleeps at night with this man as her partner, but it probably has something to do with her being twenty-something and equally as hot. Even though I had a crush on him as a girl, same as every other kid in my school, he certainly wouldn’t be my choice anymore.

I know who I’d pick. Who I did pick.

And who I now don’t know if I’ll get to have.

Sam’s apology and his explanation were sincere. I’m sure he didn’t mean the things he said. But he said them.

Can I ever unhear him telling those people I didn’t deserve a chance because of one mistake I’d made?

I cringe as I hear the answer in my question.

“I see those doomsday eyes over there, Nay. Spill it.”

“I guess I just realized that I'm canceling Sam for what he said even though it was a mistake and he apologized.”

“Ooh, dang. Just like those mean girls did to you on the internet. Man, I don’t know what Fran was so worried about. Maybe if you were a dude, someone would need to talk some sense into you, but you ladies are too good at coming to these conclusions on your own.”

I offer him a sad smile. “I still don’t know what to do about it. This whole thing with Sam has been great. The best thing that’s ever happened to me, as a matter of fact. But it doesn't change the fact that it’s still a secret relationship that doesn’t really have a future.”

“Well, good luck with that whole no future thing,” Avery responds with a smile.

“What do you mean?”

He gestures to the house with his chin, and I spin, squinting against the bright sun.

“Sam,” I whisper as he walks toward me with my computer bag slung over one shoulder.

“That’s my cue,” Avery says, sliding off his chaise and diving straight into the pool, emerging on the other side and disappearing into the house.

Sam flops down in the now empty chair and cringes. “This cushion is sweaty.”

I laugh in spite of myself. In spite of the situation. “We’ve been out here for a while.”

“Any life-changing pearls of wisdom come out of Ave’s mouth?”

“He was just telling me stories about times when you saved his life.”

“There should not be so many of those stories.”

Silence falls and I’m not sure how to break it. Or if I even want to.

I have no idea where to go from here. I want to forgive him, to move past this, but I’m stuck on the other side, knee deep in fear.

“I talked to Dom,” Sam says finally.

I gape at him over the top of my mirrored sunglasses. “Really? How’d that go?”

He shrugs. “Fine. I told him I’d resign, and he pretty much blew that off. Told me there wasn’t a man on the planet that wouldn’t want me to be with their little sister.”

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