Page 78 of Pucking Rebound

“Home?” I question angrily. “That apartment never felt like home, Graham. You talked me into selling my family home. I should have seen what you were doing to me.”

“I never intended to hurt you, Lola. I promise, I’m telling the truth.”

“You deserve an Oscar,” Piper mutters.

“Best supporting asshole. Sorry, I mean actor.” Strength comes to me from an unknown place. I feel myself growing stronger with every word. “How is Nicole?”

“She meant nothing to me. It was a mistake.”

“That you probably made over and over and over again, right?” I tuck my hair behind my ear.

Shifting on his feet, looking uncomfortable, he avoids eye contact with me.

“How long were you sleeping with her behind my back?” I ask.

“Lola, don’t do this.” With his fists clenched by his sides, I can tell he’s spiraling.

“You know what? You’re right. Let’s not.” I straighten my spine, pushing my shoulders back. “I don’t care because we’re done here.”

“We were great together, Lola.” His voice panicked, it goes up a few octaves.

“No, we weren’t.” Now that I’ve experienced a certain sexy hockey player’s tongue that felt like he was painting one of his masterpieces over my entire body, sex will never be the same again.

Like a gift from the gods, Jordy makes me feel incredible and sexy, which I plan on letting him continue to do repeatedly.

Instead of crumbling like Graham thinks I will, I will rise.

I jut my chin out. “I’ve moved on. You should too.”

“It’s only been a few days. Don’t say that,” he says, his voice becoming louder and harsher.

“It’s given me plenty of time to shed the pain you caused in my heart, grow a thicker skin, and come back fighting.” It’s the truth. He might have tried to weaken me, but I will rise again like a phoenix from the ashes and refill my bank account with or without him returning the money. “Now leave me alone before I take out a restraining order on your pathetic ass. And stop calling me from random phone numbers.”

“Stop the investigation.” He glares at me.

I’ll give him ten out of ten for persistence.

“No.” I’m firm.

“Lola.” The way he says my short name sounds like a threat.

“I’m not changing my mind.” He has no power over me anymore. “We’re done here.” The way he’s looking at me tells me he wants to wrap his hands around my neck and kill me; it’s murderous.

I thought about checking with the police this morning about the consequences of stopping the investigation, because if he is charged then it could mean we have to go to court. Forgetting the whole thing might be the simpler option. Especially if it keeps my name out of the press because attracting the wrong type of attention outside of the work I’m doing with the Eagles might not be the smartest move right now.

“Have a great day, Graham. We have a reservation.” I thumb over my shoulder.

“Lola.” He grits out my name between his teeth.

“Do as the lady says, and shove off, Graham. I mean James.” Piper points at his chest.

“I fucking hate you.” Veins pop out of his neck and red flushes his skin, showing his true colors: mean and nasty. He’s speaking to Piper, but I think he’s referring to both of us.

“With every cell in my body, Graham, I hate you more for what you’ve done to me.” Hate his stupid teeth that look like luminous white tombstones.

“Don’t say that. We’re supposed to be getting married. You said you loved me. Please, marry me,” he pathetically pleads.

Has he lost his mind?

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