Page 100 of Booked for Summer

‘I was the reason Henry joined the SOB group,’ Jeremy cut in. ‘If Liam’s throwing out blame, I’m ahead of you.’

‘What did Henry mean about the waterfront?’

‘I don’t know. I don’t think the boss has got the concept of besties yet. Still keeps everything to himself.’

‘Henry made it sound like I slept with Liam to get him to change his mind. However awful and degrading that looks for me, it’s a thousand times worse for Liam. Like he’s weak enough, stupid enough, to have his head turned by me.’

Jeremy gave her an affectionate smile. ‘His headhasbeen turned by you, and he’s neither weak nor stupid.’ He laughed ruefully. ‘I also imagine he’s heard worse insults.’

Her heart twisted. ‘That’s exactly the point. He’s going to take this so hard.’

‘But this time he’s not alone. He’s got us to support him.’

Jade could only hope that would be enough. ‘I think I know where he’s gone.’

Jeremy kissed the top of her head. ‘Then go to him.’

* * *

He’d been here before. Started to feel accepted, even loved, and it had all been a fucking illusion.

As he sat on the top deck of the yacht, his mind tortured him with flashbacks.

Elementary school on the island, classmates looking at him strangely. ‘How come your mom left you? Can’t have liked you much.’

Boarding school, and Henry and his friends laughing in his face when he asked to join in their card game. ‘Like you can afford it. We don’t play with Monopoly money, we play with the real stuff.’

April, when he’d overheard her laughing with her friends. ‘The sex is great, but I’m dumping him soon. I mean, he doesn’t even have a boat.’

Sabrina giving him that cruel smile he’d not realised she was capable of. ‘Sorry, but Dad says I can do much better. And I think he’s right.’

He tightened his fingers around the whisky glass. The fact Henry’s slurs had hurt, was entirely his own fault. Sure, the way Henry had painted it was wrong, but the sentiment was the same. Jadehadput a spell on him. Thanks to her, he’d changed plans that had been years in the making. Hell he’d even started to open up, let people in… His stomach clenched, acid burning at the lining.

He should have known better. The moment he lowered his defences, he got shafted.

‘I thought I’d find you here.’

He forced his body to stay still and not leap up and cling to her, like it wanted to.

Jade walked slowly towards him, shapely legs shifting beneath the short pink dress that fitted her curves so perfectly. Gorgeous, stunning, sexy as fuck.

But going home next week.

She slid next to him on the sun pad, and memories of the first time they’d sat there crashed through his mind. Memories he couldn’t afford, because it was time to pull up the drawbridge, to lock down his defences. Put himself into protect mode.

‘That was… awkward.’

‘Brutal,’ he corrected, taking a moment to study her face, the lines of tension. The telltale red rim around her eyes. A reminder he hadn’t been the only one humiliated tonight. ‘Your dress isn’t charming, it’s perfect, shows off your killer body but also makes you look vibrant, confident. A woman embracing her sexuality. You’re not a blonde, you’re an inspiring, strong, magnetic, vivacious woman who happens to have blonde hair. You didn’t put a spell on me, you showed me how to be a better man with courage, creativity and ingenuity.’ He hung his head, disgusted with himself. ‘I should have said all that out there. I’m sorry I didn’t.’

‘Don’t be. You’ve said it now.’ Her body leant against his and he inhaled her scent, feeling a brief moment of comfort, of rightness. ‘Sabrina was your ex.’

It wasn’t a question, but he answered anyway. ‘Yes.’ And because he knew Jade, he added. ‘She’s as shallow as she looks.’

He watched Jade fight not to smile. ‘I thought she looked elegant. Willowy, like a model.’

‘I thought she looked skinny. Cold. A good match for Henry.’

A huff of laughter left her and she reached for his hand. ‘Now we’ve put my jealousy to bed, tell me why Henry hates you so much.’

---