Page 26 of Lost Summer
Orion’s eyes narrowed, her expression fierce. “You never know, Delly. Fate has a funny way of working things out.”
I sighed. “I hope you’re right.”
Orion leaned forward, her voice low and conspiratorial. “Did you ever think about what would happen if you saw him again? Like, really thought about it?”
I hesitated, the words hanging heavy on my tongue. “I...I don’t know. I guess I always hoped that if we ever crossed paths again, it would be different. That he would be different.”
Orion’s eyes softened, her hand reaching out to squeeze mine. “People change, Delly. And sometimes, they change for the better.”
I nodded, feeling a glimmer of hope sparking in my chest. Maybe Orion was right. Maybe fate had brought Ted back into my life for a reason.
But before I could dwell on the thought any further, a familiar voice cut through the hum of the bar like a knife.
“Tell me this isn’t fate.”
I turned to see Ted standing before me, his eyes fixed on me.
My stomach lurched, and I tried to speak, but nothing came out.
“You!” I heard Orion gasp from beside us. “Some bloody prince you are, shacking up with a crotch sniffer!”
Oh God.
13
TED
What the fuck? A crotch sniffer?
The silver-haired ankle-biter continued, her eyes flashing as she leaned forward, her voice a low growl.
“You have some bloody front, mate. What the hell are you doing here?” Her bangles clinked together as she wagged her finger in my direction.
I finally glanced at the woman, recognising her as the girl at the festival with my Adele.
Orion.
I smiled at her, her silver hair gleaming under the soft lights.
“Nice to see you, too, Orion. It’s been a while,” I said, my voice steady despite the storm of emotions brewing inside me. I let my gaze drift to Adele, her eyes wide and filled with surprise and something else—something that made my heart pound in my chest like a drum.
The scent of her perfume reached me, a sweet and intoxicating blend of vanilla and chocolate that sent a wave of nostalgia crashing over me. It was the same scent that had lingered on my clothes after our night together and haunted my dreams for the past decade.
“I’m here on business, but I’m glad I saw you, Adele,” I stated, my voice low and sincere. I jutted my thumb behind me, gesturing to the table of businessmen watching us with amusement.
Adele’s eyes flickered with emotion when I addressed her, and I swallowed down the nerves that took over me. She had that ability—to render me wordless with one look, one touch. It was a power she didn’t even know she possessed.
“Nice to see you, Ted, but if you’ll excuse us—” Adele began, her voice barely above a whisper. She wavered slightly on her feet, and I used the opportunity to my advantage, steadying her by cupping her elbow in my hand. Her skin was warm and soft beneath my touch, sending electricity through my veins. She looked up at me, her eyes scanning mine, and I reached up to brush her cheek with my fingers, unable to resist the pull between us.
Orion cut her off, tugging Adele away from me. “She said excuse us, are you deaf? Bloody men think they can control everything. I’m not having it; first, he fucks off after taking your?—”
“Orion!” Adele hissed, lifting her brows in horror. “Stop saying that!”
I was puzzled until Adele met my gaze, her eyes rolling as if it didn’t matter. But it did. It mattered more than she could ever know.
“What does she mean?” I asked quietly, my heart pounding as the reality of my actions all those years ago suddenly hit me like a freight train.
Adele looked like she was going to murder her friend, but then the penny dropped.
