Page 59 of Cruel Saint

“And how are you doing, dear?” Olivia gave me a tight hug before holding me at arm’s length. “Are you enjoying life in San Diego?”

“Definitely.” I beamed as Melanie approached with a fresh mimosa and handed it to me. “Especially now that I’m within driving distance of Mel instead of a five-hour flight.”

“Liam, too,” Olivia said. “It’s like the old gang is finally back together again.” Her expression fell. “Well…almost.”

“Yeah.” I swallowed hard, a twinge of sadness squeezing my chest at the reminder of Samuel, but I quickly pushed it down, brightening my voice. “Speaking of Liam… Is he around here somewhere? I told him I’d find him when I got here.”

“Don’t worry about him,” Melanie admonished. “He’s a big boy and can take care of himself.” She moved closer, dropping her voice. “Just worry about yourself. Doing things that makeyouhappy.” She pinned me with a stare, tilting her champagne flute toward mine.

“I’ll try my best.”

“Good.”

We clinked glasses and I brought my drink to my lips, the champagne with a splash of orange juice instantly relaxing me.

Until that same sensation of being watched trickled down my spine, all the tiny hairs on my body standing on end.

I discreetly looked around the terrace, inhaling a sharp breath when my eyes locked on Gideon’s heated stare, his sparkling blue depths seeming to only see me.

I was instantly transported to last weekend. Him finding me in the library. His body tempting me as he drew near. Succumbing to this attraction as he gave me more pleasure than I’d experienced in years.

Maybe ever.

“Speaking of doing things that make you happy,” Melanie murmured.

“What’s he doing here?” I hissed softly.

I’d expected to spend my weekend with friends and family. Seeing Gideon Saint hadn’t factored into that at all.

“My guess is Liam invited him since he’s loaded. But I think you should go ask. Make sure he’s not crashing the party.” With a sarcastic grin, she gave me a not-so-gentle push toward Gideon.

My nerves spiked at the thought of talking to him after the way I ran out on him after we had sex.

But what was I going to do? Avoid him all weekend?

Maybe his presence here was the sign I needed to just get over my fears and finally take a risk.

To stop clinging to a ghost.

To finally live my life again.

ChapterTwenty-One

Gideon

I kept my eyes trained on Imogene as she moved across the terrace toward me, her sundress flowing with her measured motions. With every step she took, my pulse increased slightly.

I hadn’t been this close to her since she ran away from me at her birthday party.

I couldn’t say I hadn’t seen her, though.

All week, I’d kept a close watch on her, but did so from afar. I didn’t want to spook her even more by making her think I was some creepy stalker.

Iwassome creepy stalker, but I didn’t want her to know that.

“Imogene,” I greeted as she approached. A gentle breeze lifted her hair and carried her sweet scent toward me. “You look well.”

“Thanks.” Her cheeks turned red under my compliment, and she averted her gaze, smoothing a strand of hair behind her ear.

---