Page 10 of Wilder at Heart
‘He’s here with his new girlfriend.’ She sniffs. ‘The one he dumped me for. I just met her.’
Yikes. That’s rough. I crane my neck around again, looking in the direction of Nora’s moony gazes over my shoulder. When my eyes hit Holmes and his new chick, I can’t help it. I snort so hard my champagne goes up my nose. Oh God. I’m dying.
Nora stands there while I try to get my choking under control. She folds her arms in disapproval.
‘That’s his new girlfriend?’ I wheeze. ‘The girl in the yellow dress?’
‘Yeah.’
Holy fuck. I sneak another look at them. My eyes are on stilts.
‘Stop it!’ Nora hisses. ‘They’ll see us looking.’
This has made my day. It’s fucking hilarious. That dark horse Holmes is far sneakier than I’d have given him credit for.
‘Do you think she’s pretty?’ Nora asks, and despite myself, my heart breaks just a little for her.
‘Honey, I have no idea. You think I was looking at her face?’
She rolls her eyes. ‘You’re impossible.’
‘I’m pretty sure I can explain Jonathan’s decision to date her in two words.’ I steamroller on, despite Nora putting her hand up to stop me. ‘Tit wank.’
She squeezes her eyes shut, and genuine hurt flickers on her face, and she crosses her arms defensively over her own chest. And I feel like the worst kind of twat.
‘I’m sorry.’ I put a hand out and touch her on her forearm. ‘I’m sure she has a lovely personality.’
‘Fuck off.’
I’m back-peddling now, driven by an uncharacteristic desire to make Nora Wilder’s evening better. She’s here to work. I’m sure Miles’ wedding’s a big gig for her, and she doesn’t need this shit from her douchebag ex. I sneak another look behind me.
‘Look. She’s pretty in an inoffensive, forgettable way. That’s it. She’s not beautiful. Not like you. She doesn’t have your bone structure.’ I allow my gaze to linger on Nora’s face. Objectively speaking, she’s stunning. When those eyes aren’t rolling or glaring, they’re insane. Massive.
I wish I remembered what they were like when I kissed her. That whole evening is a bit hazy, apart from the stupid nickname thing.
‘Shut up.’
She’s even more prickly than normal. I think about extricating myself, but I don’t want to leave her here alone. She probably doesn’t know many people, hence why she was at the bar by herself in the first place. Maybe I’ll just steer the conversation onto safer topics.
‘So. What dark secrets can you spill about the wedding? Do they have a location?’
‘They seem to have decided on Sorrel Farm in Kent. I can’t believe they’ve managed to book that place out in July, but the Commercial Director, Evelyn, knows Miles, so…’
Of course she does. My brother is a relentless networker for such a grumpy fucker. I’m not sure how he gets people on board when he’s permanently wearing a face like a slapped arse (though less so since Saoirse’s come on the scene, thank Christ).
‘Nice. I wouldn’t put it past Miles to have held it here.’
‘I think they wanted a destination. Somewhere they could make a fun weekend of it. And you know they’re having a joint stag and hen in the south of France? I’m organising that, too.’
I smirk. ‘I do. I’m the best man.’ I bet Nora will have the entire wedding party whipped into shape. As far as I’m concerned, that means less work for me. Especially if the stag and hen are a joint operation. She’s Miss Sensible. Mum wouldloveit if I brought someone like Nora home.
Her face drops.
‘Looks like we’ll be spending a lot of time together this summer, huh?’
There’s a smart retort on the tip of her tongue, I can feel it, when her face freezes. ‘For fuck’s sake.’
‘What is it?’
