Page 54 of Under His Skin

Waverley looked over, unsure if she’d heard Staci correctly. “Sorry? For what?”

“What Spencer did to you was awful. Taking all your money. Running around on you with that girl. I can’t believe he turned out to be such a jerk.”

Waverley was momentarily speechless as she stared at the woman who she would have thought might have been secretly pleased by the turn of events. Ever since she married Greg and joined their circle of friends, Staci had done everything she could to earn Tracie’s and Julie’s favor, laughing at their not so vague barbs as well as the flagrant bullying to those they’d come across over the years.

Seeing her feeling empathy at all for Waverley’s predicament was big. Making her the first in the entire group to mention the scandal, let alone apologize.

“Thank you, Staci,” Waverley said softly. “I’ll be honest. It was really tough at first, not helped by the fact it was all so public. Then I realized something. I spent so much of my life worrying about what people thought and trying to earn their approval. And for what? In the end, it didn’t save me from the pain and humiliation that followed. So I decided that, from now on, I’m living my life on my terms, doing what makes me happy. No one else.”

“That’s incredible. I wish I was as strong as you,” Staci said, her voice trembling. “Sometimes things with Greg are so hard and I…well, I don’t feel like I have a lot of options. Not with the kids and everything.”

Greg Momsen had always been the meanest and least likable man in their group. His temper when things didn’t go his way was legendary over the years, once crashing his newest Audi coupe into a parked car because he felt the guy who owned it had stolen his spot. She tried to remember how that temper played out toward his wife, but other than bursts of anger, he hadn’t seemed dangerous. But then again, people didn’t expect Spencer to be a criminal.

“You always have options, Staci. If you ever need to talk to someone, I’m always available. And no one would have to know about what we talk about. If I can find a way to be happy, so can you.”

There were tears in the woman’s eyes as she reached out and gripped Waverley’s hand. “I can’t believe all these years I thought you were this stuck-up, prissy princess. I’m sorry for misjudging you.”

Waverley had heard worse things said over the years. She could also admit that she hadn’t gone out of her way to learn more about the other women, either. “It’s okay. I think we probably both misjudged each other.”

Staci laughed. “I don’t want to know what you thought about me before because you probably would have been right.” She paused and studied Waverley. “I just hope that I can find the same sense of happiness that you so obviously have. I mean, you’re positively glowing. I imagine that a certain beefy guy may have played some part in that. You’ve got to tell me. That kiss…is it always like that?”

Waverley’s fingers instinctively moved to her lips, remembering how wonderful it had felt.

“By that blush on your face, I’m going to take that as a yes.”

“He is a good kisser,” she said, relenting enough to give at least an honest critique. “The best I’ve ever had.”

“I can tell you that more than one of us was wishing we could switch places with you. That man just emanates rugged sex appeal. Please tell me that he’s as good in bed as I’m imagining.”

“Better.” At least, he was in her fantasies, which was as close as she would ever get to finding out.

“There you are.”

Waverley’s eyes closed momentarily, and her face felt like it was going up in flames from the heat that grew.

Kill me now.

Because standing in the opening of the patio door was none other than the man himself, and from the sparkle in his dark brown eyes, she would venture a guess that he’d heard some if not all of this conversation.

Reynolds came over and wrapped his arm around her waist, a casual but intimate gesture that took her breath away every time he did it. “I thought I’d see if I could help you carry anything down.”

“That seems to be my cue to deliver some wine before we have a riot,” Staci said as she grabbed two bottles and slipped out the door.

“So,” Waverley said, trying for casual. “How much of that conversation did you hear?”

“Not much.” His eyes, however, sparkled with amusement.

“Liar.” It was the first time they’d been alone since that moment at the pool, and she felt a little awkward as she tried to think of what to say. “How’s it going out there with the guys? Learn anything that may be of use?”

He shrugged. “Nothing that I didn’t already know. But I do think something’s up with Ronnie. He’s distracted. Twitchy. And he’s checked his watch about a dozen times in the past hour.”

“Do you think he’s meeting someone?”

“Maybe. Which is why I’m here. I wanted to remind you not to put yourself in any danger out there. I’m trained to handle bad guys. You’re not.”

She rolled her eyes. “Are we on this again? Because I can remember an incident where I took you down.”

“I’m serious, Waverley. As much as you think you know Spencer, never underestimate him or what he might be capable of when his freedom is on the line.”

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