7. Heather
HEATHER
I stretch my arms over my head, so damn relaxed and happy it’s crazy.
Smiling, I open my arms and reach out, looking for Jude’s warm body. But he’s not there and the sheets are cold.
I sit up quickly, my head searching the room. “Jude? Where are you?”
No answer.
Then I see the note on the end table. “Heather. I’ve called Chris and he’s gonna have a driver come get you. I’ve got to go but I’ll see you at the wedding. I’m so sorry about what happened. Jude.”
I wrap my arms around myself and shiver, the formal words throwing a tidal wave of cold water all over my very warm feelings for the bastard.
He left me here. Left me alone and went to the wedding. There’s a knock at the door and I holler, “I’ll be right there.”
I grab my still-damp clothes and yank them on, grimacing at the sticky wet feel of them on my warm skin.
Then I stomp over to the door and rip it open. “Heather? I’m so sorry, sis! I should have gone to get him.” Chris grabs me in a big hug and my anger turns to confusion. I pat his back as he holds me tight.
“It’s okay. I was fine. I’m fine.”
He drops me to my feet and sighs. “I’m so glad you’re alright. Let’s go though. Jess is having kittens that the maid of honor and the best man got lost. We need to get back before anything else goes wrong.”
Too damn late. I’m pretty sure I lost more than my virginity to that bastard that snuck out of here.
“Let’s go. I need clean clothes. And maybe a shower.” This one alone, dammit! No smarmy bastard to steal my heart with sweet kisses and so much pleasure that I still feel it, even though the bastard snuck out like a thief in the night.
I turn my face into the seat and drift away, my eyes closing in exhaustion.
“Hey, sis! We’re here. Come on. The reception is tonight. We’ve only got an hour or so to get ready.”
I sleepily crawl out of his car but my sore muscles protest and I flush when I realize why.
Bastard.
I hug my brother and head upstairs to my room in the hotel. I take a long soak in a scented bubble bath and then slip my long deep purple dress up and over my head. It hugs my curves and lengthens my short legs until I look taller and slimmer than usual. Long, dangly diamond earrings and a diamond bangle on my wrist. Then I slip on a pair of strappy silver sandals with three inch heels.
One last look in the mirror as I brush my hair out and then draw it up in a flashy crystal clasp on the back of my head. A slash of mauve gloss and a bit of poppy pink blush and I’m on my way out the door.
My little clutch purse clenches in my fist as I get closer to the elevator and see the handsome man standing there waiting for a ride.
Bastard.
The door opens and I glide right past him, ignoring him. He steps in and his jaw drops open. His devilish dark eyes coast down my body and heat builds up immediately. It’s like everywhere his dark gaze hits my body turns into molten lava.
“Red. You look gorgeous. Let me get a good look at you.” He reaches out a hand and tries to spin me around. I dig my heels in and ignore him.
“Let go of my hand, Jude McHenry. Before I punch your damn smug face,” I grit between my teeth.
He drops my hand and his perfect jaw clenches. “I know you have a right to be mad at me, Red. But I didn’t mean to hurt you.”
“That doesn’t make it all better, Jude.” Then the door opens on a cheery ping and I stalk past him. “You’re an ass.”
I follow the line of people heading to the restaurant for the dinner and ignore the pinging and lights in the casino. I’ve already lost way more than I planned on this trip.
I can feel him stalking along behind me and I want to turn and push him away but I don’t. I ignore him like the lady I fucking am.
Chris and Jess come up to us and she smirks. “There you two are. Did you have fun on your little detour?”
I grind my teeth together as I try to smile. “It was…illuminating. Excuse me.” I stalk off and leave them standing there, heading for the buffet. I’m starving and I’m gonna eat every damn thing I want. I deserve it.
Chris comes up beside me and eyes me warily. “You were kinda rude to Jess.”
I turn to him and the tears tickle the backs of my eyes and I clench my nails into my fist to force them back. “I’m hungry, Chris. I’m also too tired to deal with anymore shit today. Not to mention that I checked and I missed my appointment and there’s no chance that I’m gonna get another shot with them. So forgive me if I find Jess’s smart-ass comment a little much tonight.”
“I’m sorry, sis.” He winces and his blue eyes close. “I didn’t mean for that to happen. You know I’d never hurt you.”
I eye him but I can’t feel anything but the pain in my soul. I want to shrivel up and blow away in the winds still whipping the hotel. “I know that. But that doesn’t fix everything, Chris. It doesn’t fix this at all.”
And I turn back to the food and then go to my table where I’m facing the bastard. I smile and eat and ignore him like it’s my job.
And then when the reception is over, I stand and walk away, my back straight.
Until I get upstairs and then I slide down the door and tears rush down my cheeks. I sob like my heart’s broke.
Because once again, the bastard broke it and this time I think it’s for good.