Page 15 of The One That Got Away

This was a nightmare.

I should’ve worn a stab-proof vest instead of this shirt, because Stella was looking at me like she wanted to plunge a knife into my chest.

And I couldn’t blame her. The way things ended between us was…messy.

‘I need to see a manager!’ Stella shouted. ‘Or My Love Alchemist lady, Jasmine. I’m not going on a date withhim. No way!’

The restaurant fell silent and the other guests’ heads whipped in our direction.

‘I… um, of course.Señora,por favor, please follow me.’

As the maître d’ led Stella away she gave me a look so dirty, a million gallons of bleach couldn’t wash it away.

Yep, she hated me.

Looked like I’d be getting my wish to go home early. But theyat least owed me a refund.

This hotel was supposed to be run by a reputable company who employed the world’s best matchmaking experts. But I was starting to question their skills. Who set two exes up together? I’d say it was a joke, but it wasn’t remotely funny.

I needed air. I strode towards the door and stepped outside. The hot, sticky heat seared my skin. Even though it was past nine, it was still thirty degrees.

I crashed onto the outdoor sofa and put my head in my hands. My mind raced. What a shit show.

I’d thought about Stella a lot over the years, wondering how she was, whether she’d met someone and if she looked the same.

Tonight two questions were answered: she was single and I didn’t think it was possible, but Stella was even hotter now than when we dated.

Although she was wearing a long dress with just her arms, shoulders and neckline on show, she looked sexy as hell. Her light brown skin glowed, her pretty dark brown eyes sparkled and her hair was shorter than before, but she still had those gorgeous curls that I loved.

And even though she’d scowled at me the whole time, I found my gaze fixed to her lips for longer than was appropriate. I’d always loved kissing that mouth.

On the way here, I’d worried whether I’d find my date attractive. Now I knew that wasn’t an issue. But if someone asked Stella whether she was attracted to me, I could guarantee that the feeling wouldnotbe mutual.

Thoughts of how things ended between us flooded into my mind.

Shit, shit, shit.

If all the stuff that happened in the past wasn’t bad enough, I was late for our date. And I knew Stella hated when peopleweren’t on time. But I had to help that lady. I hoped reception had passed on the message explaining why. That was the least of my worries right now, though.

I reached into my pocket for my phone and dialled Colton.

‘Hey! You on your way to your date now? Wait.’ He paused. ‘No. It’s past nine over there and your date was at nine, so… what’s up? Did something happen?’

‘It’s a fucking disaster.’

‘I’m sure you’re exaggerating. Did she have two heads? Even if she did, it’s no bad thing. That means two sets of lips and double the kisses, right?’ He laughed. I didn’t.

‘You know earlier you joked about every woman liking me?’

‘Yeah. It’s true.’

‘I knew it wasn’t true before, but now it’s confirmed. My date definitelydoesn’tfancy me. I’d bet my life on it.’

‘Impossible! Who is this anomaly?’

‘They matched me with Stella.’

‘Who’s Stella?’

---