Page 116 of The Life of Anna-Tenth Anniversary Edition: Act 1

Alex nodded. “I would be incredibly surprised if he didn’t. But you can show her what real lovemaking is and she will blossom.”

Aaron stared out at the yard where Anna stood talking on the phone, and Alex followed his gaze. She seemed so sad. So different from when she’d been in the pool just a little while earlier.

“What happened tonight?” Aaron asked.

Alex told him what Kirsty had done to Anna.

Aaron’s reaction was similar to, though less volcanic than, Alex’s. “Please tell me you’re ending it with Kirsty.”

Alex nodded. “I am. That’s why you need to ask Anna out tonight.”

“What if I’ve changed my mind?”

“She’s still the same person, Aaron,” Alex snapped. “The only difference is, if you hurt her, I will hurt you.” He glared at his friend.

“Jeez, I was just kidding.” Aaron laughed. “You really are protective of her, aren’t you?”

Alex pursed his lips and looked out into the yard. “Someone needs to be.”

Anna ended the phone call with Devin and closed her eyes, breathing a sigh of relief. He hadn’t been terribly angry with her, and he’d even told her she was going to stay with him at his house after Wednesday’s banquet.

Why would he want her at his house? Wouldn’t his wife be upset?

But it was her job to obey—not question—him.

She turned to return to the pool area and Jenna walked up.

“Where’d you disappear to?”

“Oh . . . I . . . had to go to the bathroom . . .” Anna bit her lip, reluctant to relive her experience with Kirsty.

Jenna scrunched her face and studied Anna for a long minute. “Okay.” She shrugged. “Well, let’s get back in the pool. Garrett’s been asking where you went.”

Anna glanced over at the pool. Garrett seemed like a nice guy, aside from not letting her get to her phone. How could he have known how important it was for her to answer the call? And Alex wanted her to flirt and have fun.

She nodded to Jenna, and they headed back to the pool. Alex appeared as Anna was about to drop her phone on top of her bag.

“Is everything okay?” He glanced down at the phone in her hands.

Anna nodded and glanced at Jenna. “Everything’s fine.”

“Gut.” Alex smiled. “Well, if you’re okay, I’m going to take off and take Kirsty home. Do you... want me to come back later?”

Jenna raised her brows.

“No, I’m okay,” she said quickly. “Really.” She smiled. “Jenna’s here.”

Alex tilted his head as he studied her face. She tried to brighten her smile, not wanting to ruin his evening.

“Okay...” He glanced behind him, then back at the two girls. “Call me if you need anything, Schatzi.” His mouth moved as if he were chewing the inside of his cheek and he shifted on his feet, then nodded. “I’ll see you later.”

“Okay.”

“Bye, Alex.” Jenna grinned and waved, a glint in her eyes.

Alex rolled his eyes, then turned and disappeared into the dark yard.

Jenna laughed. “He’s totally into you. Lucky girl.”

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