Total pages in book: 93
Estimated words: 88536 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 443(@200wpm)___ 354(@250wpm)___ 295(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 88536 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 443(@200wpm)___ 354(@250wpm)___ 295(@300wpm)
I cut that startling thought off, loathing that I even had the thought. I couldn’t betray Hayley or our vows like that.
It’s been seven years since she passed. I usually don’t come to these things, but I had to visit when I saw the invite and knew it was close to where Alina was staying.
For Hayley.
For Alina.
For myself.
I’ve been having withdrawals from Alina, and although it doesn’t dim the fire or loyalty I had to my wife, I notice the telltale signs of how my body and mind are wavering. I haven’t touched or even looked at another woman since crossing paths with Alina.
It’s like she has me under some spell.
One that I have to break free from soon because I won’t be able to accept the repercussions if I don’t.
I can’t replace Hayley.
Never.
But neither can I look away from Alina.
CHAPTER 40
Alina
His hand finds my lower back as he guides me into the event. It’s local to where I grew up and went to school, so I’m kind of hoping I don’t see anyone I know. It’s equally strange that Will has any type of association with my hometown. I really hope I don’t run into anyone from my past. I haven’t really kept in touch with anyone I went to school with, and the few friends I have are through my work.
The moment we step into the hospital, I quickly scan around to make sure I don’t recognize anyone. I then notice Will watching me carefully.
It’s not that I don’t like anyone from here; it’s just that when I moved to LA, I got caught up in the wrong crowd, and after that wanted an entirely different start.
It feels strange to return, especially with someone like Will on my arm. I don’t really understand what’s going on between us, but I also don’t want to complicate things by asking. I don’t want to feel like a silly woman seeing things that might not be there, but some of the stuff he says and does… This is more than just a booty call, right? I shove that thought down. If I don’t ask, I don’t have to know. And I think that’s better for both of us.
That’s probably not the most honest way to look at things, but it’s the way I’m going to go, considering I leave for London in less than two weeks, and this—whatever this is—will be in the past. While Will is attractive, funny, and even rich, he’s also had his great love. And while it’s selfish, I don’t ever want to be someone’s second.
Maybe that’s why I’ve never settled down.
Maybe it’s a me issue.
And Will is not the safe guy to pour my heart and energy into. However, as I look at his side profile and see how he scans the room just like I had, I think if it were going to be easy with anyone, it would most likely be him.
“How long do we have to stay?” I ask.
“Already want to leave?” he replies, smugly pulling me into his side.
“Yes and no.” I smile up at him. This beautiful fucking man can, unfortunately, be irresistible at times. The problem being, he fucking knows it.
“Will, how are you?” someone asks. He pulls away from me a bit but keeps his hand on my back as he turns to speak to the newcomer. I, however, take this as my time to look around and find the bar. I think I need a drink.
I place my hand on his chest. “Sorry to interrupt. Drink?”
“No, but I’ll be here waiting for you.” He lets me go, and I turn and head to the bar.
When I get there, I order a glass of wine and feel someone come up next to me.
“Alina?” I turn to see a tall man standing there. I’m confused at first because I think I might know him, but his name doesn’t come to mind.
“Steven. We dated in high school,” he clarifies, because obviously, my expression says it all. It suddenly clicks. Back then, Steven was a lot skinnier and lankier. This Steven is the same height but built out three times the width with a lot of muscles.
“Wow, I didn’t even recognize you,” I say, still shocked, and step back a little. “You got bigger.” I laugh.
“I did. Some things don’t change, however. You look beautiful as always,” he says, then turns to the bartender and orders himself a drink. I take my time to look at him, remembering him better now. His manners are the same, as are the smile and kind expression in his gaze. But his hair has grown out and his face has hardened. “What are you doing here? I haven’t seen you around since you left for LA, like, what, ten years ago?”
“Yeah, I only come back to check in on Mom. I’m just here with someone.”