Page 28 of Seductive Heat

Would this hurt less if I wasn't so in love with her already?

Helene

As soon as I saw the look on Theo's face, I knew my world would come crashing down all around me. He told me how his match contacted him and that they had coffee and talked. Now, he thinks he owes her to find out if they truly are a match. Well, what was I all this time? His side piece? I thought our relationship had evolved to something more. My heart hurts as if that is true.

But no, he's got to be a gentleman, and I'm such an idiot letting him go without a fight. How exactly will he find out if she's truly his match? Once he sleeps with her? How many orgasms will that take? I shake my head and cry out in anguish, then I crumble onto the couch and start crying. I manage to send a 911 to Tammy before grabbing some liquor.

I'm not a big drinker, so I'm already slurring my words when Tammy arrives. Unfortunately, she arrives with backup. My sister Mags. I groan. I don't want to talk to my sister. She's judgy, and that's the last thing I need right now.

"What happened, Hellie? Why are you drinking yourself stupid?" My sister asks.

"He found ou…out I wasn't his match. He's going to date her!"

"I think you are better off without him. His stalker ass is bad news." She looks judgmental.

Tammy brings a glass of her own and serves herself some whiskey.

"Don't be like that, Mags. She really cares for this guy."

"Well, he doesn't seem to care as much for her if all of a sudden he's dating this other woman. Where's the loyalty? You two have been sleeping together, for goodness sake, and he's just going to set you aside like a side piece? Nope, not worth it."

"He's a good man." I manage to say between sniffles.

"I think he loves Hellie. He looks at her like she walks on the moon."

"Not tonight," I pout.

"He's the one that picked you and stalked you and learned everything about you. He came in with a strong game and seduced you. I don't think you are at fault here. How did he leave things?"

"He'll talk to me soon…"

"What is he going to do about his match?" Mags asks while making coffee.

"I told you, get to know her, date her. I hate her, the bitch. I'm not drinking that coffee."

"Looks like big sister won't let us get thrashed," Tammy says.

"I don't think this guy is worth that. You'll like this coffee, Hellie. I got it specially ordered."

"You guys, I screwed up, and now I'm paying the price. He'll never look at me the same way again."

My sister Marguerite comes back to the living room holding a tea towel and just looks at me.

"You fell for him. Damn it, Hellie, it's just been three weeks. How do you fall in love that fast?"

"He's really good to me."

"Except now, when he's off trying to charm some other woman."

"What do you want me to say, Mags? That he's an idiot for pushing me aside for his one true match? He is, but knowing that doesn't ease the pain in my heart."

"Those matches are made by computer algorithms and based on people's answers. If she lied, it might be a false match." Tammy says.

"You think she lied?"

"I'm just looking for a silver lining, babe."

"You know what? You two suck at giving moral support. I'm going to go back to self-soothing with alcohol." I smirk.

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