Page 89 of Fake Dating Adrian Hunter
“Adrian, it’s not like that. You know it’s not. He ambushed me.”
“Which explains why you let him kiss you?”
“I froze up. Please, let me explain.”
“I’m not sure you have to.I need time to think?” Adrian repeats the last words I said to Jake. “Verena, what is there for you to think about? Don’t tell me you’re considering getting back together with that jerk.”
I rub my temples, closing my eyes tight. It’s just my luck that the delicate situation between me and Adrian has become even more fragile. “My mind is chaos right now, okay? I’ve got so many messes to clean up. Everyone is tugging me in different directions. There are a bunch of photographers and crazy fans stalking this island. Excuse me if I can’t think straight.”
“Let me make this easy for you, then. I love you, Verena. That jerk can’t feel even one-millionth of what I feel for you, because if he did, there’s no way he would have cheated on you. How you have even the slightest inkling that getting back together with Jake is a good idea is beyond me. I know things are complicated between us right now, but how canhebe a better option than me?”
“Adrian—”
“I’m not done speaking.”
Without giving Adrian any explanation of what I’m about to do, I grab his hand and drag him after me, heading in the direction Jake went in.
“What are you doing?” he asks.
“If you’d given me a chance to talk, I would have told you I hated every moment of Jake’s kiss but was too shocked to push him away because I couldn’t believe he was asking for me back. Let me make this situation blatantly obvious for you. Stay put and listen.”
I release Adrian from my grasp the moment Jake comes back into view. A nervous smile twitches over Jake’s lips as he watches me march up to him. It’s pathetic that hope lives in his eyes, like he thinks I’m coming to share great news that I broke up with Adrian and want him back.
“Verena, honey…” Jake starts.
He raises a hand to stroke my hair, but I smack it down and speak loud enough for Adrian to hear every word out of my mouth. “How dare you lump me in the same pile as you, assuming that just because you’re disgusting enough to cheat on me, I would cheat on my boyfriend withyou. How dare you consider for even one second that I would think about taking you back. And how dare you do to Hannah what you did to me. I may not like the girl, but even she deserves better thanyou.” I poke him in the chest as I say that last word, then storm off, catching Adrian’s eyes on me as I pass him. Damn, that felt good.
Adrian is just as speechless as Jake, but the slightest grin spreads across his lips. With Jake out of the picture, at least there’s one less mess for me to think about. I’m desperate to solve the tension between me and Adrian, but before I can do that, there’s someone I have to talk to first.
ChapterTwenty-Nine
After a well-needed shower in Darius’ bungalow, I arrive at the day spa where all the ladies—except the bridal party—sit in rows, either having their hair, makeup, or nails done for the wedding. A certain redhead catches my attention. Isabelle is receiving a manicure. Just the person I’m searching for.
“Hi, Isabelle.” I slide into the chair beside her, placing my hands in front of a nail technician. “I like that color. It looks gorgeous with your red hair.”
Isabelle blanches the moment she sees me and looks away, swearing under her breath.
“I’m hoping we can chat. I sat here on purpose.”
She stares at her nails. “I don’t have anything to say to you.”
I guess I deserve that. “I’m sorry if I’ve upset you this week. I’ve been making some questionable choices. I was wondering… Do you still have feelings for Adrian?”
She spits a laugh, the sound bitter and like she has a mouthful of vinegar. “No. And I know you’re not together. At least, you weren’t at the start of this week. He told me everything three nights ago when we went for a walk on the beach.”
“I’m sorry. I honestly believed the fake relationship was because he wanted you back. I hope you didn’t get hurt in all of this, and I’m sorry if you did.”
She cuts me off with more sour laughter. “Verena, I don’t want him. He’s all yours.”
“Why the bitterness, then? I don’t quite understand your situation.”
“That makes two of us. Adrian and I were together for three years. He says he loved me…”
“I’m sure he was telling the truth. You seem very lovely—”
“Don’t bullshit a bullshitter. You don’t know anything about me.”
Her words bring a smile to my face. “I know this isn’t the time, but that’s one of my favorite sayings.”
