Page 61 of The Bitter Rival

“Kat, we don’t really have that kind of relationship. Hell, we don’t have any kind of relationship. I don’t even have his phone number. We’ve hooked up a few times, but it’s really only physical between us.”

“I’m calling bullshit, Isabella. I saw the way the two of you were looking at each other. Hell, Nick and I left early because watching the two of you together on the dance floor was getting us too hot and bothered. I’ve never seen him like that with a woman. Ever.”

“Whatever. He made it clear he isn’t interested in more.”

“What do you mean?”

“I tried to tell him my news as he was heading out for the night. We got interrupted by a phone call that he didn’t sound happy about. Then he basically told me he didn’t need a good girl like me.”

“You’re kidding?”

“No. I tried to chalk it up to him being in a bad mood, but thinking back, I saw him in the ER earlier, and he was flirting with someone.”

“Isabella, that’s just Bas. He’s overly charismatic with everyone.”

“No, this seemed different. She was gorgeous. I saw him wink at her. It needled at me most of the afternoon. I tried to focus on my happy news, but after that interaction later… well, he is a playboy. I’m sure I was just one more notch-”

“I don’t buy it for a second, B. Nick even sees it. He said he’s never seen Bas like he is with you.”

“You only saw us together a couple of times, Kat.”

“I know. But, I think Sebastian confided in Nick. I didn’t press. But Nick seems to think Sebastian has it bad for you.”

My cheeks warm at the thought. I’m not sure why. I mean, why should I care if someone who is so dismissive is interested in me?But I do.As much as I should run screaming in the other direction, I can’t fight how I feel when we’re together. I’m kidding myself if I think this is purely physical.

“I don’t know what made him snap, Kat. The last time we were together, he was so different. Maybe it’s wishful thinking.”

“Isabella, you’ve proven you can tackle anything you put your mind to. I know you’ve protected your heart for a long time. It isn’t just you. You have Austin to think about. But I think Sebastian needs a push.”

I don’t mind pushing. But for what? Is this how it’ll always be with him? Up one hill and down another? Always trying to prove my worth? Fighting for my place in his world? Yet I had to acknowledge, I’d been the one running out on him. Never staying because my priority was Austin. I had no right to judge. But the dismissal earlier today didn’t feel like it was for a noble cause. This didn’t feel like he was putting someone else’s needs above his own. This felt selfish. Like he’d decided.The End.

Katarina continues, “Men like Nick and Sebastian are used to being in control. They aren’t going to let anyone or anything come between something or someone they want. I’ve seen it. Nick and Bas are a lot alike. They’ll move heaven and earth to get what they want if they feel it’s being taken away.”

“Well, he can find that challenge with some coed or nurse at the hospital. I’m too old for those games, Katarina.”

“I agree. They love a challenge. But this is different. Nick pulled out all of the stops for me. I almost missed out because I was protecting myself. But getting hurt won’t leave you any worse off than where you are now. I’m just saying, think about it. If there could be something special between you, don’t fight it.”

“I’m not sure it’s up to me.”

“But it is. Okay, I’ve got to feed Grace. You go pick up Luigi’s. Have a long soak in a hot bubble bath with a TL Swan book and think about what I said. You’re every bit as strong as one of her characters. If they can slay their men, you can too.”

“You’re crazy.” I laugh.

“Maybe. But when you’re ready, give me a call. You’re going to need your girl tribe for this one, but I’m ready.”

Sitting in the corner chair in Austin’s room, I rub my belly as he paints. Luigi’s hit the spot. Now I’m celebrating with a fruity glass of chianti and enjoying the show before taking a soak in a hot bubble bath.

This painting makes me a little sad. Not because of what he’s depicting, but because it’s honestly one of my favorite “Austin originals,” and the thought of painting over it makes me heartsick. If only I could get the Potter boys to carefully cut out that wall and build a new one.

I observe Austin as he stands back from his work, head tilted to the side, inspecting. I can feel my defenses rise. This stance occurs frequently before he announces he needs to start again. Trying not to let my mind entertain such a deplorable thought, I try to spot what has him so fixated. I can barely make out the smudge around one leaf in the upper right-hand corner. Please don’t let that bring this masterpiece down.

Closing my eyes, I take a deep inhale of my delicious tangy wine before taking another sip.

“Fuck it.”

My wine sprays about the room as I splutter on the remaining beverage lingering in my throat.

“Austin?”

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