Page 46 of The Invitation

“Don’t fucking rub it in my face, Amelia.”

“Excuse me?”

“You heard me.” He turns to Leighton. “Let me get you another drink.”

“Sure. And a room for the night would be great.” Leighton grins, and, my God, I could smash it off his face. By the tensing and rising of Jude’s shoulders, he feels the same. I’m about to tell Jude it’s not what he thinks. But ... do I owe him that?

“A room,” Jude muses, as Leighton moves in and slaps him on the shoulder of his expensive three-piece.

“Tell me about your long-term financial plan,” he says.

I shake my head to myself and get out of there, heading outside to get some air. Today has been a disaster. I find myself on a patio full of white iron tables and chairs. Heading for the far table, I lower to the green cushion and dial Abbie. “You better get Charley on the line,” I say, resting back, exhausted.

“Oh shit,” she breathes. “What’s happened?”

“He’s here. At Arlington Hall,” I say.

“Him?”

“His name’s Jude Harrison. He owns this place.”

“Oh my God.”

“I’ve achieved nothing at this conference except sweating and trying to breathe so I don’t have a fucking heart attack.” I go to smooth my hair back and realise it’s down.Damn it.I hold my phone to my ear and gather it into a ponytail. It’s casual, but it’s off my face, the strands not sticking to my damp, sticky cheeks. “He gave an opening speech. I read between the lines. Then he found me in the ladies’ and—”

“You had hand sex again?”

“No.” I roll my eyes, flopping back in my chair. “He got close, I’m sure we were heading for ... I don’t know, but I found my senses andleft. Then he got all passive aggressive over a male colleague.” Taking a breath, I rub my temple. “Abbie, he’s a force I’m not sure I can handle.”

“You can handle anything,” she says gently. “You are literally the strongest woman I know.”

I smile, but it’s small and it’s an effort. “I don’t feel very strong right now.” Every second I’m in Jude Harrison’s orbit, whether that be physically or just on the phone, a little bit more strength crumbles away.

“That’s the power of attraction.”

“I’ve no room in my life for a man. I’ve literally just kicked one out.”

“Nick’s expectations were unreasonable.”

“And Jude Harrison’s aren’t?” I look up when a waiter appears beside me. “I’m okay, thank you.”

He smiles and picks a glass of Hey Jude up off his tray and lowers it. “Courtesy of Mr. Harrison.”

I laugh sardonically.

“What?” Abbie asks.

“He’s just sent me a cocktail. The Hey Jude. I think it’s a peace offering.”

“I can’t believe he owns Arlington Hall.”

“We didn’t get Charley on the call.”

“You know what Charley will say. Besides, she’s at Lloyd’s parents’ house for dinner. I’m on my way to Waitrose. Chablis, Cheese, and Bridget?”

Our crisis pack. “Yeah,” I breathe, because this definitely feels like a crisis. “I’ll be back soon.”

I hang up and study the glass before me for a few moments, knowing he’ll be watching me. So I get up and head back inside, leaving the drink untouched on the table.

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