“They’re slut-shaming you.”
“What? Why?”
She touched her phone, paging through stuff until there I was, in full HD color. Me with my bare ass hanging out right before I let go of the balcony. My dress was hiked up—not indecently, but high enough—and from the camera’s angle, my butt was clear as day.
“He’s the hero,” Rachel said, her nose wrinkling in sympathy. “And you did make a big deal about this being an old-fashioned date.”
I slammed my eyes shut. I couldn’t read anymore. “That was your idea,” I growled.
“Yeah. My bad.”
I snorted and glared at her. “But why—?”
“It’s popular culture. Who knows why the public turns on people? But he’s the hero—”
“And I’m the villainess?” I shook my head. “I don’t get it…”
She touched my hand. “Jake wants you to call him right away. He tried last night, but—”
“My phone is gone.”
“Yeah. His is, too, but he got another one.”
Must be nice to have money, I groused silently. Right now, I felt like my life was crumbling around my ears. And all because I went out on a date and had a really good orgasm. But that was childish thinking. I was looking for someone to blame because I felt lost and overwhelmed.
“So I should call him, huh?”
“Yeah, you should. But first you have to understand what he did. He needed to give them another story, Ellie. One that was more interesting.”
Pieces fell into place. Oh, hell. That’s what Mom and Dad were talking about. “He said we were in a relationship, almost engaged? And we’d kept it a secret because of Connor?”
“Yeah, kind of.” She blew out a breath. “You really should call him.”
“Yeah,” I said. But I didn’t do it. I mean, what could I say to a guy who’d just told the world we were a couple? Sure, we’d had one hot date. Literally hot. But that did not make us destined for life. And even if my libido was doing a happy dance at the idea of talking to Jake again, my mind couldn’t keep up. What the hell would I say to him?
Just then the phone rang, startling me so much I fumbled and dropped it. Rachel grabbed it with a curse, then let loose another string of expletives when she saw the caller ID. She gave me a get-ready look and thumbed it on.
“Hey, Jake. Yeah, I just got here.” Pause. “She’s in a bit of shock, but…well…okay. Here you go.”
She handed me the phone. My hands were shaking as I took it and pressed it to my ear. “Jake?” I was pleased my voice didn’t wobble.
“Ellie! How are you? Are you okay? I mean, of course you’re not okay. But are you feeling okay? I mean, after last night?”
“Um, yeah. A bit achy. How are you? You’re the one who did all the hard stuff. And you hit your ribs—”
“They’re bruised, but okay.”
“You should ice them. And rest up as much as possible.”
“Yeah, I know. The team doc was all over me last night. But that’s not why I called.”
I swallowed. “Yeah, I know.”
“I mean, of course I want to know how you’re doing. Last night was scary.”
And wonderful. And lust-inducing. “I’m fine. Really.”
“Good. Good. Because I kind of had to do some damage control. Publicity-wise. I know it’s not your fault…Jesus, it would never be your fault. But the internet is dangerous, and people do stupid shit. Say stupid shit.”
