“I know you, and I know Rhys, and once you two set your hearts on something, there’s no changing your mind. So, how are you going to change the tide of this girl’s life and make her fall in love with the sweetest man who’s ever existed?”
I go to answer, to spew the first thing that comes to mind, but then I look at the way my mom and Kate are looking at each other—swoony and in love—and I know I need to take my mom’s advice on this one. Bristol needs a friend, and that’sgoing to have to be enough. And if she wants to move on and be with me? Then the way I went about it will be worth it. And if not? Then she’s got a friend in me for the rest of her life, because now that I’ve seen her, there’s no way I’m letting her go. I’ll take whatever I can get.
Chapter Ten
BRISTOL
Entering my front door, I smell the aroma of food and hear high-pitched laughter radiating from the dining room, that can only belong to one evil, wannabe queen. Which can only mean one thing.
I quickly pull out my phone, checking for missed texts or calls from Blake to let me know we were having company. Nothing. Just a single text from Kira telling me I’m her SOS tonight if ‘shit goes sideways.’
With an eye roll, I set my phone down on the entryway table and slip off my work shoes, walking delicately into the room. As if the nails-on-a-chalkboard laugh wasn’t enough of a clue, the visual confirms it. Joffrey and Lexi are sitting at the dining room table with Blake and another man, older than us by quite a bit, dressed in a tailored suit. His eyes are severe, dark, and ominous, and I instantly don’t like him. He gives those bad juju vibes where you just know you don’t want to be left alone with him.
“Darling, you’re home. A bit late, but that’s to be expected when you’re working hard to save the animals of the world, isn’t it?” Blake says with a bit of a jeer that catches me off guard.
“Yes, Bristol, really selfless of you, I’m sure,” Lexi adds in her snooty-ass tone that sounds faker than the pair of boobs sitting on her chest.
Blake stands from the table, walking over to me, his hands gripping my hips and jerking me into a stiff hug. “You smell like death and look even worse. Go take a shower and then join us, you can at least make it for drinks,” he whispers as his hand combs into my hair, giving it a little squeeze. I almost yelp and have to bite the inside of my cheek to stay composed. Ice prickles down my spine, spreading out across my skin as I blink back tears.
He releases me with a little chuckle. “Of course, darling, we’ll hold off on drinks until you’ve freshened up. Take all the time you need,” he says for everyone to hear. I look at him through glossy eyes, like he’s lost his ever-loving mind, before he squints at me, almost in warning.
“I’ll be out in a bit,” I announce, grateful to escape to our bedroom so that I don’t have to sit out here and share a meal with these types of people. What I really want to do is throw a fit and pick a fight with Blake for how he just spoke to me, but something inside me, a warning maybe, is telling me to go and not press.
I leave the main living space and escape to the privacy of my bedroom, making my way into the lavish en suite bathroom that is bigger than my first apartment. When Blake and I got together, I never imagined us being able to afford a place thislarge or opulent, and I still don’t think we need it. But Blake insists.
I’m quick to wipe away the few rogue tears that escaped, taking a deep breath, with my back resting against the door. Did he just get bad news? Is he scared they’re going to judge him because I came home in my scrubs covered in dog hair? I’m a doctor, for fuck’s sake. I wish working at a small animal shelter were prestigious enough in Blake’s eyes, and he would be outwardly proud of me and what I’m choosing to do with my life. But I refuse to fake who I am or be embarrassed by my profession.
After I’ve shaken off my nerves and hurt, I take my time, not in a rush to fake shmooze with Lexi and Joffrey and whoever the old creeper was. Pulling out my phone, I fire off a quick text to Kira, hoping like hell she’ll actually need to call in that SOS and I can get out of Blake’s evening plans altogether.
Me: Blake has company, I think I’m the one who needs to be saved tonight
Kira: Fuck face and the ice queen?
Me: Yep. And some other douche-lord I’ve never met before but he gives me the heebie-jeebies.
Kira: Ugh. Why can’t he attract normal people?
Me: I don’t know. Are all super rich people epic dickholes?
Kira: I’ve never had any money like he does and I’m a fucking delight so I’m gonna guess maybe so. Need me to call in the SOS? It’s going really well with this guy. But for you, I will tell my pussy to calm down.
I laugh out loud,a quick burst that comes from nowhere. I quickly cover my mouth, not wanting the sound to travel.
Me: No, you go get some. Be safe! Text me in the morning so I know you’re alive and well
Kira: If all goes well honey I’ll text you after lunch cause I’ll be up until morning
Me: You’re such a dork. Love you
Kira: Love you baby
With a reluctant sigh,I gather my long hair up into a twist and clip it to the top of my head, stepping onto the stone and under the spray of water. The shower feels incredible on my stiff muscles and body. Standing on my feet for hours, plus all the lifting and bending, squatting and standing, makes for some aches and pains at the end of a long day.
My mind drifts to Rhys, and even though it was so unexpected to see him today, I can’t deny that it was the most fun I’ve had in a long time. Hanging out with him was like hanging out with a friend I’ve known my entire life. It was easy and effortless, and he’s exactly what I need in a friend.
There’s no denying the chemistry we have, but that can be turned into a great friendship. After the initial heat I felt from Rhys’ hands on me, being locked in the supply room this morning together morphed easily into a conversation that I actually needed.
Any lingering awkwardness on my part faded away as we got lost in discussion after discussion. Before I knew it, an hour had gone by, and Kendra finally arrived, freeing us. Much to my dismay. I could have easily spent the day in there in our little bubble, sharing secrets and getting to know each other, even though it felt like talking to someone whose known me my entire life.
