Chapter 49
HANNAH
Champagne soaks the floor, and the flute smashes into pieces. People around me look and stare, and a waiter comes over to clean my mess.
I stand frozen, the heat of the fireplace warming my backside, as Liam, my shitty ex-boyfriend, enters the main building. Never in all my twenty-four years did I think he would return, knowing how close I am to this place—or Maya being my best friend.
Brain cells are lacking.
Liam hasn’t noticed me yet, but it only takes seconds for me to clock the girl that follows him in: a tall, wavy brunette with smoky eyes and a flawless complexion. She calls him some weird nickname and kisses his cheek.
She is everything I’m not—the epitome of beauty.
Her dress is navy blue satin, legs for days, not a single hair out of place.
Together, they belong in a magazine for a perfume ad, while I belong in a zoo near the elephant exhibit.
He’s the same: cool-toned blond hair, sky-blue eyes, a killer jaw, and—most importantly—his “winning” personality.
A total tool bag.
My heart hammers in my chest; I’m not sure what it means yet, but most likely fear of his past words, his harsh tones, and disgusted looks whenever I changed in front of him.
But he can’t hurt me anymore, not here, not ever again.
Though his actions and mental abuse left a permanent scar, tainting my view on relationships and men in general.
Of course, my reflex is to run, hoping to avoid him, when he catches sight of my movement, and we stare at one another like we’ve each seen a ghost. His new girlfriend follows his line of sight and pans over to me, trying to understand what’s happening.
Liam shakes his head, releasing me, bringing me back to reality, and ushers the beautiful brunette to the reception desk.
I manage to blend in with the other guests, trying to inch my way to the back corner. At least I’ll be safe here until they leave for their cabin.
But what are the odds Liam comes straight over to me, model brunette in tow?
The Gomezes must make an escape route for situations like this.
They haven’t seen me again. I’m currently up against the bay window, surrounded by teens taking selfies. I take a seat, keeping my eyes on them.
It’s almost like he’s scouting me out, waiting for me to emerge and then pounce. He’s admiring the fireplace with his newest victim. They’re extra touchy, hands constantly needing to grasp some body part, giving me the major ick, it’s not like kids are around or anything.
Men and their need to make the world know how desirable they are.
He needs to leave. Why the fuck won’t he leave?!
“Hannah?”
It’s over.
If I play like I can’t hear him, maybe he’ll go away, mistaking me for a lookalike, but sure enough, the son of a bitch comes right into my peripheral, hands interlocked with a Victoria’s Secret model.
Dare I look up?
Too late, I cave and meet the stare of the worst ex-boyfriend in existence.
The closer he is, the more memories resurface, and I try to plaster on a fake smile, like he didn’t mentally hurt me and eviscerate my self-esteem.
“I forgot you came here,” he says.
Liar. He knows damn well I practically call Snowy Peak my second home. He’s seen photos, my collection of sweatshirts, and even the stickers on my insulated water bottles.
“Yeah, well, it is Maya’s family resort.” Pretty sure he doesn’t remember my best friend either.
The brunette model looks uncomfortable. I take this chance to introduce myself, keeping the topic off me. “I’m sorry, where are my manners? I’m Hannah.”
She gives me a half smile. “Gwen.” We don’t shake hands, might be because she’s too busy touching fuck face over here.
“Well, it’s good to see you.” Liar. “Did you come by yourself?” Nosy jackass.
“She came with me.” I’d know that voice anywhere. The husky tone when he’s claiming what’s his, mostly in the bedroom. Noah strides over, at ease with himself, fully aware of fans in the room, and not giving a single shit as he snakes his arm around my waist, tucking me into his side.
“Oh my god, you’re Noah Hart?” Gwen looks like she’s ready to pass out.
Liam, however, is not impressed. “Rumor has it you’re not performing at the event. Something to do with…mental issues?”
Noah must have caught the snarky tone, because he pulls me in a little tighter. “That’s why they call them rumors.”
“Huh, the source was a personal friend.” Liam’s eyes wander to Noah’s hand on my waist, then look back at me.
“Not a personal friend if they’re willing to sell them out to the tabloids for cash.”
I try to remove Noah’s grip, but it’s no use against someone who’s built like pure steel.
One of Gwen’s hands snakes up Liam’s chest, exposing a ring…a very familiar ring.
Suddenly, the room slows, and time is halted as I stare at the diamond sparkling on her long, tan finger.
It’s only been a year.
One whole year.
The ring promised to me enjoys its new home.
Waves of anxious emotions rise, my heart pumping, and Noah’s touch becomes too much. I elbow him when they’re not looking, getting a grunt behind me, and he releases me from his hold.
Liam turns around, eyes flickering between us.
I hate him. So fucking much.
He smirks, clearly pleased with the fact that the ring he caught me looking at before our breakup rests nicely on Gwen’s finger.
But does she know what a narcissistic pig he is? Or how he belittled my diagnosis?
“Well, it’s been nice chatting, but I gotta go see if Maya needs me,” I announce. I just need to escape.
Liam cocks his head to the side. “Maya? Oh, yes, that’s right. I forgot her parents own a ski resort.”
What a conniving fuck.
“Yes, this one, to be exact,” I mutter.
Liam brushes it off like it’s old news and turns to Gwen, stroking her cheek. “They’re offering sleigh rides now, let’s go take one before dinner.”
Hand in hand, Gwen gives me a sheepish wave, while Liam barely bats an eye and leads her away.
I’m left with lingering insecurity from our past relationship and Noah’s intense gaze.