“I haven’t had this much fun in ages. If Oliver hadn’t put a ring on it, I might’ve been tempted to do so myself.”
“It’s a friendship ring, Mandy,” I say with a laugh, “not that I expect jewels in exchange for my friendship.”
“Oliver is more than your friend. We both know that, my dear. The way he looks at you ...” His words trail off, and then his eyes slip over my right shoulder as though snagged by something unexpected.
A second later, revulsion zips down my spine, anger quickly following at the familiar and unwelcome sound of Mitch’s voice.
“May I cut in?”
Every fiber revolts, my emotions rioting inside my chest like a storm. I want to yell,No you may not. You may go to hell. Eat shit and die. Swallow peanut butter and swell while I run away with your EpiPen.
Sadly, none of that is appropriate. This man has brought me to disgrace in a public setting one too many times.
“Yes, of course,” Mandy replies, taking my unease for I don’t know what. But etiquette dictates he step aside. “One dance, and I’ll be back again. One dance,” he repeats, this time for Mitchell’s benefit.
As Mandy turns away, I do the same in the opposite direction. Until Mitch’s fingers fold around my upper arm.
“For old times’ sake?”
“Get your hand off me.”
“One dance,” he demands, yanking me bodily against him. “Unless you’re planning on running again.”
“Say what you need to, and get the fuck out of my life,” I grate out, assuming the position—submitting. Short of the physicalviolence I still harbor for him, what choices do I have? Causing a scene might jeopardize everything.
“How are you, Evie?”
“I’m feeling kind of murderous.”
“Fiery.” His eyes skate over my hair. “I love when your temper brings out the redhead in you.”
“And I love it when you’re on a different continent.”
“Evie,” he says, twirling us around the floor, despite the fact that it must feel like he’s dancing with a corpse. “You’d think I was the only one in the wrong.”
I grit my teeth, refusing to bite.
“This was originally my plan, you know. Getting you to meet the old bloke.”
“So you could get your hands on his house. Yes, I know.”Now.
“But it wasn’t the only reason I asked you to marry me. I love you.”
“Great! I’m so happy to hear that. Let’s leave, run off together, and be happy forever.”
“But you’ll do it forhim.”
“Are you kidding me right now!” Because Mitch put me in this position! My feet come to a stop, and I push him, manners be damned. I swing away, when he grabs my wrist. “Let go of me,” I grate out. The dance floor is packed; I’m not sure if I’m relieved or panicked that no one seems to notice our scuffle.
“Loved you, I should say. Past tense. I wouldn’t have you back, not after you’ve been fucking him.”
“That upsets me ... not one bit.”
I try to move away, but he yanks me to him again. I guess, torso to torso, we must look like we’re dancing, but I get right in his face, refusing to be cowed.
“I thought I was in love with you, but how could I be? You were nothing but a ghost.”
“Better a ghost than the devil, Evie. What was he doing there that day? You tell me that.”
