That did it.
I slammed my drink down. "Lissa, we're all here to have a nice night out, and you're ruining our buzz. Now, I don't want to bethatbitch, but I will call Ian over, and I'll gladly watch him escort you out."
The girls stared at me, dumbfounded but with a hint of enjoyment. I knew we weren't in high school anymore, and most adults didn't feel comfortable being overtly rude to people if they deserved it. I wasn't one of those people. If you were a dick to me, I felt comfortable calling you out on it.
Lissa's mouth tightened, and an angry flush slashed her cheekbones. She huffed out a breath, but then her eyes shifted to something behind me before widening with surprised delight. Her red-painted mouth lifted in a cat-that-got-the-cream smilebefore she abruptly stood. She downed her drink and slammed it on our table before smoothing her hair.
"Love to stay and chat, ladies," she purred. "But better company has come up. Tootles."
She sauntered off, and I instinctively turned my head to watch her leave. Amusement danced in me, as well as a sliver of pity for the poor soul she was going to force herself upon. She made a beeline toward a group of men, approaching one from behind. She stroked his shoulder as he looked up at her in welcome surprise.
The smile froze on my face.
"Is that...?" I heard Rachel's harsh whisper.
Brian.
My stomach plummeted as Lissa bent down to give him a lingering, familiar hug. His arms came around Lissa's svelte frame, returning her embrace, his hand gripping low on her back.
I immediately swiveled back in my seat, unable to watch any more of their display. I snatched up my drink and swiftly downed the contents before I met everyone's stares as I gently placed my glass back down. As predicted, I spied the pitying and angry emotions blazing across their faces.
Feeling far from perky, I shrugged carelessly. "Guys, it's fine. Brian and I barely went on three dates. He's not the love of my life or anything, so you can quit the woe-is-me looks."
I gave them a smug smile, hoping to lessen the harshness of my words. But seriously, they looked at me like I should storm off to the bathroom for a good cry. Which I definitely did not feel like doing. Nope. Not at all.
"Besides," I continued. "She's his problem now, and that's the kind of karma I could never wish on anyone."
They all laughed, relaxing at my apparent indifference to Brian and Lissa—whom I'm guessing was his newpurely sexualpartner. Once again I was thankful I hadn't gone all the way with Brian. Double dipping with Lissa? Been there, done that.
I pushed the sickness in my stomach aside as I waved my empty glass at them. "Now, whose turn is it next to buy rounds?"
Chapter 18
Maria - 26 Years Old
FROM THE PRIVATE NOTES OF DR. ANNA MORRIS
"Morning," I smiled up at Simon from my rumpled bed, my gaze fixed on his taut ass as it flexed with his movements.
"Hey," Simon yawned. He scratched his chest before bending to pick up his clothes.
I quickly sat up on my knees. "Are you leaving?" I tried not to sound sad, but I didn't expect him to cut and run so soon.
"Gotta hit the road, babe." He smothered another yawn.
Panic set in, but instead of reacting, I sent Simon what I hoped was a seductive and casual grin. "Why don't you take a shower first?" I suggested. "There's fresh towels by the sink, and I have your shower gel in your basket."
"Uh –"
"I can make you some coffee and toast before you leave. We had a late night, so you must be tired." I lowered my voice intoa sultry tone, hoping to remind him of the delicious things he’d done to my body last night. And early this morning.
He sent me that crooked smile I adored so much. "That sounds great, actually. I'm fucking wiped after last night and could use a hot shower."
Pleasure warmed my chest. I was happy that my actions pleased my man—even though he was only my man in my head. Although, after last night, maybe we were headed for a new label.
Simon stared at my pointy nipples before his heated gaze swept down to my bare pussy. I could see his dick start to swell. My sex clenched, but only in memory of the marathon sex we had all night and into the early hours. Usually, I would be all in for another round, but my poor abused vagina needed a break. I sat back down on my legs and gave a shooing motion.
"Go on. Coffee and toast will be ready when you're out."
