Total pages in book: 59
Estimated words: 55832 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 279(@200wpm)___ 223(@250wpm)___ 186(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 55832 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 279(@200wpm)___ 223(@250wpm)___ 186(@300wpm)
Anya raises a thin brow. “I don’t think so.”
I turn to face Anya. “Can I tell you a secret? You can’t tell anyone.”
Anya’s eyes widen. “Lips are sealed.”
“Even Griffin.”
“Griffin who?” Anya jokes, moving closer. “Tell me.”
I suck in a deep breath and let it out slowly. “Brock and I had sex.”
Anya clasps a hand over her mouth in shock. “Seriously?” she asks after what feels like a full minute of silence.
I nod, fresh tears streaming down my face. “And it was so good, Anya,” I whine out. “So so good. Oh my god that man has some serious skills,” I divulge.
“Okay, first gross, but I think he really likes you, Willow.”
I shake my head, wiping away the rest of the tears. “No, he doesn’t. He’s made it clear this is fake and nothing more. You know how guys are. They can have meaningless, random hookups and be fine. I can’t face Brock.”
Anya grabs another tissue for me, and hands it over. “Do you want to stay in my room tonight?”
I nod. “I’m going to try to move my flight. See if I can get on a flight out tonight. I just can’t be here anymore. I can’t face your family.”
Anya wraps an arm around my shoulders. “My family loves you, Willow. Don’t worry about facing any of them, especially Brock.”
“I’d like to never see Brock again for the rest of my life.” I’m just too embarrassed. I pull out my phone, checking to change my flight. “Oh, I can switch my flight to an eight o’clock tonight.”
“That’s in like three hours.”
I nod, my resolve strengthening. “I can make it. I’ll rush up to the room and pack.”
Anya hugs me, squeezing harder than she ever has before. “I don’t want you to leave, Willow. I wish you’d talk to Brock.”
I smile as soon as she releases me. “No, I don’t ever want to see him again.” What could I even possibly say to him?
Thanks for the great sex, see ya around?
I’ve fallen in love with him, and I just can’t face any of the Atwood’s right now. Well, except for Anya. She’s kind of my rock right now.
I continue to cry and shut off my phone. I don’t want to deal with anybody. Especially Lake. Ugh. When I think about what that monster’s done, I get so angry.
How did he even know?
I leave the bathroom, telling Anya I’ll text her once I land back in Saint Pierce. I just can’t wait to be home in my bed in Magnolia Ridge. Away from the Atwood’s. And Lake.
As I rush to the elevator, hoping nobody spots me in my great escape, I run smack into Lake Spriggs.
The monster.
“What do you want?” I ask him, pushing the elevator button, hoping it’ll come quicker.
“Willow, I didn’t mean to embarrass you…”
I cut in, “But you did.”
“I only wanted to let everyone know that that fake relationship was fake. Nobody’s that happy in love all the time.”
I cross my arms over my chest. Where is the elevator? “Well, you did.”
He reaches his hand out to touch me in some way, but then must think better of it. “I’m sorry. I care about you, Willow. I never meant to hurt you. I just wanted you to see what we have is real. Not fake. Brock doesn’t care about you. Not like I do.”
I swipe at a tear. “I know he doesn’t. No need to rub it in.”
Lake’s face appears surprised. “Wait. You don’t have feelings for him, do you?” He scoffs at the idea, like it’s all some big fucking joke. “No, I don’t have feelings for him. I can’t stand him, actually. I don’t like either one of you,” I shout at him.
Brock’s standing there when I’m done yelling, and his eyes are wide. Almost like they’re hurt. “Feelings mutual. Are you getting back with him now?” he asks, jabbing a thumb over in Lake’s direction.
I’m frustrated. I’m so upset, and I don’t even know who I’m more mad at. Lake or Brock. I’m mad at Lake for ruining everything, and I’m mad at Brock for not feeling the same way as me.
But he doesn’t, so I lash out.
“Brock, it’s none of your business who I get together with.” I cross my arms. “And Lake, fuck off. I don’t even know how you knew the whole thing was fake anyways.”
“I overheard the two of you.” Lake’s smug expression pisses me off, and I wind back my fist and punch him square in the nose.
My hand erupts into pain, and I bring it closer to me, cradling it. “Leave me alone,” I say to Brock as he steps closer to assess the damage.
The elevator doors dings open, and I step inside, and let the doors shut, leaving both Brock and Lake to deal with each other.
I squeeze my eyes shut, wishing this whole nightmare was over. But I don’t think it ever will be. I’m in love with a man who doesn’t love me back.