I give into the feeling and dip to take her lips. She receives my kiss with a soft moan, her hands going into my hair. She’s kissing me like it’s the last time and my heart breaks into a million pieces. But I push away that hurt and focus on what she’s giving.
I kiss her lips slowly, savoring her taste. Wanting to feel more of her, I trace her arm, but then she winces. Frowning, I withdraw and my eyes fall on the reddened spot.
Anger squeezes my chest. Must have been where they held her.
“I’m sorry I wasn’t there soon enough.”
“You came. That’s all that matters,” she whispers, then her brows furrow. “How did you know where to find me?”
“I came to see you and you weren’t here. So I guessed you must have been in the garden by the fountain.”
I expect her to smile but she frowns. “You have to go.” She pushes against my shoulder.
She doesn’t want to settle what’s wrong between us. That much is obvious. I don’t bring it up.
“We’re still on for dinner tomorrow night?” I ask.
She firms her lips and nods. “And we have to break up.”
I meet her eyes. She means every word.
It was over anyway.
“Fine, we will.”
“You won’t back out this time.”
I swallow. “I won’t.”
I have no idea why she manages to look more hurt. It’s what she wants, isn’t it?
“Good.” She presses out a smile. “Goodnight.”
And just like that, I’m dismissed.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Maddie
I decline Chance’s offer to pick me up on Sunday for dinner at his Dad’s. I wouldn’t survive the twenty-minute ride without breaking down. Already, I dread what we were going to do tonight.
I wipe my moist hands on my dress. It’s a teal gown that hugs my skin and goes with the cream pumps on my feet. I carry a cream-colored clutch purse to match and a minimal pendant and pearl earrings.
Classy and simple, all ready to break up with my fake boyfriend in front of his family.
I hail a cab and get in. The cab driver asks for the address and I give him. He does a double-take in the rearview mirror.
I roll my eyes and look out the window. Surely, he knows whose home I’m headed to. Probably wondering what someone like me has to do with people like them.
Hopefully, by this time tomorrow, the Island and everyone here would be a past life I won’t be revisiting anytime soon.
All their cars are outside once I get there. I’m the last one here. Great.
I check my phone and make sure I’m still on time. I am.
I climb up the steps to the door and ring the doorbell.
Please, anyone but Chance.
