That she could do. She grabbed her bag, and yes, her leather jacket too, avoiding Eric’s hand as he tried to touch her again. Nausea rumbled through her belly, and for a second she wondered what it would be like if she were to puke on him. Then decided she was in enough trouble already and didn’t need to add extra drama. But while she couldn’t look at Eric, she could send Gwen an icy glare, which seemed to work effectively as Gwen dropped her gaze.
“Just walk out slowly, with your head held high,” Jordan murmured, grasping her elbow. “You’ve got nothing to be ashamed of.”
That wasn’t true at all. She was ashamed of so much. Ashamed of her behaviour towards Jordan. Ashamed of how she’d oncewanted to be like these people who she now realised were selfish at their core.
What did it matter how much money somebody had if their heart wasn’t good?
And she knew her own heart wasn’t good. And hadn’t been good for a long time.
“Please, get me out of here,” she murmured.
He steered her past various diners, some of whom had their phones out. The sight of phones whacked a stiff smile on her dial as she exited.
“Miss Bennett? Was something not to your liking?” the maître d’ asked.
“Yes.” She didn’t like being made a fool of. Didn’t like the fact she’d been so gullible. How could she call herself a matchmaker if she couldn’t pick the right man for herself?
“Miss Bennett is not feeling well,” Jordan said, as she ascended the stairs that led out of there.
Once outside, she barely noticed the cool temperature. Or the people. She felt hot, cold, shivery.
“Oh, Jordan.” She flung herself into his arms, and he held her for a long, long time.
A measure of peace was found here. Strength too. Goodness. Honesty. Integrity. The qualities she really wanted. Qualities that for so long had felt far away. She rested in his arms, wishing she could imbibe some of the decency that made Jordan Knight the best and most honourable man she knew. Her knight in shining armour.
Then a voice came behind her. “EJ, it was a mistake.”
She slowly drew away from Jordan and turned to face Eric. Jordan’s hand warmed the small of her back, giving her courage. “Sure was. I can’t believe I fell for your schtick.”
“I can explain—”
“No. I don’t want to hear it. Jordan was right. You could never partner with Dream Match because you don’t even know the meaning of the wordlove, do you? Apart from loving yourself and thinking you’re so much better than everyone else.”
“EJ, that TikTok site is full of fake news. There are people out to get me because they don’t like the business decisions I’ve made.”
“Please.” She rolled her eyes. “Don’t make excuses. It doesn’t change what you still did. I always knew you had a reputation, but I thought you’d changed. What an idiot I’ve been.”
“But—”
“No.” Her eyes narrowed. “I don’t ever want to speak to you again. You disgust me.”
A seagull sailed through the darkness and swooped low then veered away.
“Ugh! Gross!” A white trail of what looked like bird dropping now splattered Eric’s shirt.
Hysteria bubbled up as she turned to Jordan. “Can … can we go, please?”
“Sure.”
And she followed him away from the noise, to where a familiar face stood, biting her nails.
“EJ?”
“Oh, Ellie.”
She collapsed into her sister’s arms and let Jordan and Elinor lead her away.
Chapter 21
