Page 15 of Beyond Expectations

As I arrived at our table, Ruby’s friend Lucy tried to talk to me. I couldn’t hear her over the music and the loud sound of my heartbeat drumming in my ears.

I leaned in and could see on her face that she had a bit too much to drink. I steadied her arm, and she shouted over the music,

“Ruby told me to thank you for such a great night, and she’s off for some one-on-one fun to end her birthday celebrations.”

Shit.

“Did she leave with the guy she was dancing with?” I asked Lucy.

I hoped Rubs found someone else, but I knew in my gut I wouldn’t like the news.

Lucy nodded and smiled like a Cheshire cat.

God, I should’ve warned Ruby about Julian. Why, out of all the guys there, did she have to go and take that asshole home?

I said my goodbyes to the other people at the table and left to hail a cab.

It had dropped a few more degrees since I was last outside, and my outfit was doing nothing to keep me warm.

I grabbed my phone from my clutch and pulled up Ruby’s number.

I should call her, see if she was okay. Try to persuade her to avoid making a massive mistake. But as soon as those thoughts popped into my head, I dismissed them. She was a grown woman who could make her own choices. And mistakes.

I grinned, knowing that she’d probably come around tomorrow with the mother of all hangovers and tell me how bad he was in bed.

Ha, now that would be funny—that stupid prick.

I logged into my taxi app and looked to see how far the closest driver was to me.

As my phone loaded the app, I ran my fingers across my lips, which felt sensitive. Almost as if they were going to bruise, instantly remembering the feel of his soft, firm lips as they fitted perfectly against my own.

What was it about that kiss?

Why did I let him kiss me?

I must have had too much to drink. I was sure he did, too.

Next time I see him, I must be as professional as possible to ensure he didn’t get the wrong idea.

And if he had anything to say on the matter, that was his problem.

My phone beeped with the notification that my car should be pulling up. I looked up and saw a black town car roll to a stop at the curb.

I walked over and opened the passenger door, and to my surprise, I saw Rhett sitting in the back seat.

“Oh s-sorry,” I stutter, shocked and confused.

“Get in. Let me give you a lift home,” Rhett replied.

I could hear the slightest tinge of hesitation in his voice.

“No, it’s okay. I’ve booked a car. I just thought this was it.”

I tried to close the door with one hand when he stopped me.

“Serena, please, just get in. My driver will take you home. At least then, I’ll know you got home safely.”

I was just about to tell him I was a grown woman and could make my way home when suddenly I heard a voice behind me.

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