Page 29 of Lost Summer
“So do I guess now, or...” Ted grinned, his deep green eyes reflecting the soft glow of the bar lights. His hair was slightly dishevelled, falling in dark waves around his face, and his smile was as intoxicating as the drinks we’d been consuming.
“It’s probably not wise, considering you’ve probably got paparazzi watching your every move,” I reminded him, though my voice lacked conviction. I was leaning closer to him, drawn in by his orbit, and the rest of the world was beginning to blur.
“You’d know, right?” Ted teased, his voice a low rumble that sent vibrations through my chest. His scent enveloped me—a mix of citrus and spice, with an underlying hint of somethinguniquely him. It was a smell I remembered from years ago, and it made my heart ache with longing.
He smiled at me, invoking memories of our last summer together—the laughter, the whispered promises under the stars. And then, the silence when he disappeared without a word.
My chest tightened.
I couldn’t go through that again.
“I’m not paparazzi,” I retorted, trying to pull back but finding my body unwilling to cooperate. “I hate to be a party pooper, but I’ve got to call it a night.” The words were out of my mouth before I could stop them, and I instantly regretted it. I didn’t want to leave, not really. But I knew staying would be playing with fire, and I wasn’t sure I could handle the burn.
Orion looked between Ted and me, her eyes narrowing as she assessed the situation. “If I leave my best friend with you, do you promise not to leave her again?” she inquired, pointing a bright yellow talon at Ted.
“It’s fine. I’ll get a cab,” I interjected, but Ted quickly countered.
“I’ll make sure she gets home safe.” His voice was firm, leaving no room for argument.
“You better do, Mr Bigshot, or I’ll tell your vagina-smelling girlfriend you’ve spent the night chatting up Adele. Who, by the way, is a million times prettier, anyway.” Orion winked at me before gathering her things and disappearing into the night.
Ted turned to me, his eyes locked onto mine, and a wave of old memories rushed in.
My heart skipped a beat.
Damn it, why did he still have that effect on me?
No, I can’t fall into that trap again.
I’d spent years burying those feelings, and I wasn’t about to dig them up now.
“She’s right, you know,” Ted said, interrupting my thoughts.
I swallowed hard, feeling the weight of his gaze. “She is?”
“You are the most beautiful girl I have ever seen,” Ted stated softly, his voice barely above a whisper. His hand reached up, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear, and I shivered at the contact. His fingers lingered, tracing the curve of my jaw, and I found myself leaning into his touch, craving more.
“You’re with Elena,” I choked out, my heart aching with want and despair. “You say these things, but nothing can happen.”
Ted’s eyes never left mine as he slowly shook his head. “Adele. Can I take you home? My driver can pick us up straightaway.”
Ted stood, lifting a hand to his friends.
I followed his gaze as the blokes waved back, wolf-whistling.
“Do they know you’re with Elena?”
“They can’t stand Elena. I got drunk and told them all about you a few months back, so...” He ran a hand through his hair, giving me a goofy smile. “They’re kinda rooting for you.”
“Me?” I echoed, lifting my bag onto my shoulder.
“Yes, you.” Ted stroked my face before dragging his phone out of his pocket.
I hesitated, the war between my heart and mind raging fiercely.
“Are we alright to go to yours?” Ted asked, breaking the silence.
My eyes bulged at the thought of Ted coming to my house. My sanctuary was a mess of clothes and cat hair, the remnants of my single life scattered around like battle scars. But the thought of being alone with him, away from prying eyes and the weight of his fame, was too tempting to resist.
