As Emma glares in my direction, I raise my brows in greeting. She returns the look with a silent, though very obvious,get fucked.
Ah, well. You can’t be friends with everyone.
Chapter Six
SADIE
Stunned. Stupid. Gullible. Naïve. And just plain ridiculous... I’m all those things as well as a monumental idiot! I can’t believe I came all this way to be... fucking ignored!
‘You okay there?’ Will asks. He places his hands on my shoulders, dipping his knees to bring his gaze level with mine.
‘I’ve been better.’ So it’s a bit of an understatement because I feel like the rug has been pulled out from under me, leaving me flat on my ass while everything around me is unchanged. I feel so growly. I should’ve tossed my drink in his face. Kicked him in the shin!Could he have amnesia? Schizophrenia?
More likely is that he’s just a complete shit sack.
I was so foolish to come here, foolish to think a chance encounter could lead to something real. Something tangible. True love. What a crock! Is there even such a thing?
‘What can I do to help?’
He didn’t recognise me. The man who said he could’ve fallen in love with me didn’t. Even. Recognise. Me. And they say women are the fickle ones.
‘I’m not sure there’s anything you can do.’ My words sound acid and sharp, much like I feel myself.
‘You’re sure about that?’
My gaze glides over his shoulder, past him to the room and terrace beyond. Julian is out there chatting animatedly, waving a bottle of beer in one hand, the birthday boy the centre of his adoring crowd.
I thought we had a connection. Turns out, we didn’t even have a dial tone.
‘You know,’ Will begins, ‘they say revenge is a dish best served cold. But I’ve always found the opposite.’
‘What?’
I look up to see a smile that is wickedness personified.
‘Revenge,’ he says. ‘I’ve found it’s best served hot.’ His gaze roams over me with a look of such lust as his voice rumbles, ‘So hot.’
His words hit me right where they shouldn’t. But I couldn’t,could I?
Then an image suddenly assails me; a snapshot of Will’s body sliding against mine moving in the rhythm of sex. Heat hits my body, though strangely, not in my face. I don’t feel embarrassed. I feel... turned on. Strange that there’s no shame in imagining myself sleeping with Will—paying for his services.Whatever form they may take.
I close my eyes and will the sensations away, the heat in my gut turning to humiliation as they spring open when Julian’s laughter carries through the room.
My emotions upend themselves again. From lust to rejection, super quick.
‘Rainy days. Unexpected gifts. Roses.’ Fists clenched, I keep my hands by my side as I try to refocus on the good rather than my shame. My foolishness.
‘What are you doing?’ Will’s question is part enquiry, part chuckle as his hands slide from my shoulders to my curled fists. The whole motion feels like a caress.
‘Rabbits. Gardenias, apple fritters, and ice cream,’ I mutter, trying not to look at him. ‘I’m. .. I’m contemplating something.’
‘You’re not due medication or anything, are you?’
‘Are you suggesting I’m mentally ill?’ I ask sharply, trying to take back my fists.
‘No judgment here. Even the ones who think they’re Julie Andrews need loving.’
‘You’re sure you’re in the right business?’ I make a show of looking left and right, my eyes wide, and my next words whispered for effect. ‘The Sound of Music? You sure you aren’tgay?’
