Page 62 of The Bitter Rival

“What?”

“What did you just say?”

“Fuck it.”

“Where did you hear that?”

“Gavin says, sometimes you just have to say fuck it.”

Holy shit. Nick wasn’t kidding.“Well, I’m not used to your words being as colorful as your art. Maybe keep that language to a minimum and only in the house, okay?”

“Okay, Mom.”

“Austin?”

“What?”

“Whydid you say that?”

“That leaf is bothering me. I was sketching at the lake, and that happened, and Gavin said I shouldn’t throw away the whole picture because one spot bothers me. He said, sometimes you just have to say fuck it and make it work.”

Shaking my head, I had to agree with Gavin. “I think there’s some wisdom to that, Austin. I’d hate to see this mural get painted over. It’s one of my favorites.”

“Me too, Mom.”

It’s late. I have an early day tomorrow, but I’m feeling restless. The soak in the tub was nice while it lasted, but my mind kept drifting to a certain surgeon. I can’t shake the feeling something is off. He just didn’t seem like himself. The irritability at whomever he was speaking with seemed more like fear.

I’ve replayed the limited conversation in my head again and again. Does he have a patient who’s in a bad way? Is he consulting someone who isn’t being timely with their recommendations or treatment? Or is this more personal? Whatever’s happening, I choose to believe that’s what has him pulling away. Not me.

I can’t continue to pretend that our electricity is only physical. I’ve never been with any man who makes me feel the way he does. Even when things were good with Rick, before medical school, he was always self-serving. My mind drifts to when I dared to ask Sebastian if I could tie him up. Never in a million years did I think he’d let me. That night was beyond anything I’ve read or dreamt about. The only thing better was afterward, lying in his arms. For all of his bravado, he’s so sweet and tender. God, how I wish I could’ve stayed with him longer.

Lying here, picturing his deep blue eyes, his strong arms, and the way his dimple pops when he smiles at me, I can’t get the grin off of my face. Hell, I’m all in. I’m falling for this loser.

I sit up in bed and grab my phone.

10:35 p.m.

Isabella: Hey Kat, sorry for the late hour. I’ve been thinking. You’re right. I want it all. I don’t have a girl tribe. It’s just me and my sister, Bailey… and you. If you’ll help me.

10:38 p.m.

Katarina

Katarina: Hell yeah, I’m in! I have a plan. Do you work tomorrow night?

10:40 p.m.

Isabella: No. I’m off at 3.

10:43 p.m.

Katarina Barnes

Katarina: Great! Can you come to the lake house? You’re welcome to bring Austin. He may need to hang with Nick. And bring your sister. We’ll need reinforcements.

Holy hell, what is she up to now?

10:46 p.m.

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