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“Forget about Frederic, sweets. Let’s talk about that handsome, hot, sexy neighbour of yours.” At the mention of Chester, I think back to how he apologised before telling me I took his breath away. I want to blame the morning chill outside for my blushing cheeks, but I know it’s Chester’s blunt remark making me red in the face.
I tuck a piece of hair behind my ear. The flush spreads to my neck, and I hope Topper doesn’t catch it because I won’t be able to explain it. I can’t even explain the tingle that spreads over my spine when I think back to us pushed together in Apollo. To his heart racing against mine as my senses were overwhelmed by his warm, sensual scent.
I clamp my mouth shut before I spill everything to Topper. Nothing can come from a silly feeling in the pit of my stomach. Nothing. Chester is a womaniser. His charming words could have been just that… words. Maybe he didn’t even mean them. We’re not friends, after all, and there’s still bad blood between my brother and Chester.
“You’re awfully quiet,princess.” I roll my eyes before a sense of amusement falls over me, a small smile making its way onto my lips.
“He had some things to apologise for, and he did,” I mumble, hoping it’ll satisfy Topper’s curiosity.
“What did the handsome man do that owed you an apology?”
“He, ehm… pried into my life.”
“Okay.” Topper drags out the word, showing that he wants to hear more. The only thing I want to do is sprint away from this conversation.
“Chester knew I was engaged before I did and knocked on my door to share the news.”
“Yourprinceshould have kept it to himself until your evil stepmother could share the news. But there’s nothing wrong with a healthy curiosity.” The more I share, the more Topper tries to justify Chester’s behaviour. Topper should be on my side. Period.
“What else did he do?” Topper asks, as if he knows there’s more. We walk out of the park before he pulls me to a stop and turns me around. I don’t dare look into his eyes, which only makes it more awkward.
“What aren’t you telling me?” Topper says enthusiastically, searching my eyes.
“Nothing,” I mumble.
“Oh Lordy, Evangeline. Tell me.” He shakes my shoulders.
“Fine. I’ll tell you,” I say, before clearing my throat. I find the cars parked on the side of the road way safer to look at than my best friend; I’ve never before wanted to escape a conversation so much.
“He, ehm…he tried to seduce me to… have sex with him.” I mumble the last part by dropping my head against my chest. Topper isn’t saying anything, and I slowly look up. His cheeks are bloated from the trapped air before a laugh spills out.
“Oh my god, and you said no?”
“Well, of course. I’m not some girl that nods her head yes as soon as a man shows some interest.”
“He’s not some man. He’s Chester freaking Boyd. Have you taken a look at him recently?” I have, believe me. His low, baritone voice makes me weak in the knees. I could close my eyes and listen to him talk for hours. He stares at me with those eyes that promise sinful nights and a part of me wants to say yes, to become one of those women he kicks out after a one-night stand. So, yes, I have taken a good look at my neighbour more than a few times, but those innocent glances are the only thing I allow myself to do. Chester ruined too much of my family’s lives.
“He’s a rake,” I add in my defence.
“I would have said yes,” Topper states confidently. “But Evangeline, something tells me you haven’t seen the last of Chester Boyd.”
I can’t help but agree because, deep inside me, I feel the same. There’s also a part that wants to see it happen.
Suddenly, a loud car honks, making me jump away from Topper, and I put my hand on my chest. My mouth falls open because of the scare, but it opens even wider when the window rolls down of the black Audi in front of us.
What a weird day.
My eyes connect with Moreen Van Doren. Part of her lip is turned up, with one eyebrow lifted.
“What the fuck are you two doing here?” Her loud voice makes me wince. Too loud. I drop my hand on my forehead before looking back at the elegant woman with her wild black bob, bangs hanging over her forehead, and her large sunglasses resting on the tip of her nose. She perfected the look by painting her lips a dark red.
“We went out last night.”
“You do know it’s six in the morning, right?”
“I dooooo.” I drag out the word. I feel as if my mum caught me sneaking some biscuits upstairs.
“Then what are you doing here, heh?” Topper says, slurring his words while pointing a finger at Moreen, making it sound like she’s at fault as well.
