Page 18 of The One That Got Away

8

MAX

‘Max?’

I looked up from my phone screen and saw Jasmine, my, what did she say she was called? MyLove Alchemist? I assumed that was just a strange word for some sort of client relations manager.

‘Hi,’ I said.

‘So, Stella’s agreed to speak to you…’

‘What?’ My eyes popped from their sockets. ‘How did you manage that?’

‘We’re calledLove Alchemistsfor a reason,’ she smiled. ‘Don’t tell anyone, but when I first heard the job title I thought it sounded silly.’ I fought the urge to say I agreed. ‘But now it actually makes sense. Anyway, I don’t know what happened between you, but she’s really hurt. So it’s important that you tread carefully. Go at her pace. If you want this to even stand a chance of working, you’ll need to work hard to win her back.’

The thing was, although I agreed that I owed Stella an explanation, trying towin her backwasn’t what I wanted. I had enough going on in my life. I didn’t see the point in wasting time tryingto chase someone who wasn’t interested, especially when I didn’t even want a serious relationship.

‘I understand,’ I said diplomatically.

I’d speak to Stella and stay here for the two weeks as planned. Like I’d agreed. I wasn’t a quitter. Whether Stella lasted that long was up to her.

One thing was clear, though. Even though I admit I found her attractive, there wouldn’t be any romance. I’d try and make the most of my time here doing whatever activities they had planned, but after that, Stella would go her way and I’d go mine – hopefully with a clearer conscience and with less bad blood between us.

That was all that I could ask for. And I was fine with that.

‘Great! I’ll bring her through!’ Jasmine beamed.

When I looked up and saw Stella walking towards me, I swallowed hard. She was breathtaking. Then she scowled and my heart thundered in my chest. I was actually nervous.

Stella was always the one that got away. I’d lost count of all the times I’d wished I could turn back the clock and do things differently. Have a chance to talk to her again. Although I couldn’t change the past, at least I now had the opportunity to try and make her understand my actions.

That was if I could find the right words.

Stella pulled out the chair, sat down, crossed her arms across her chest and glared at me.

‘So…’ I started, desperate to fill the silence. ‘This is a surprise, right?’

Nothing.

Not even a grunt of acknowledgement.

‘Look, about what happened between us,’ I tried again. ‘I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to hurt you, I just had a lot going on and…’

‘Don’t make excuses,’ she snapped.

At least she’d spoken. A few words were better than nothing, right?

More silence.

‘Would you prefer to talk about the weather? It’s pretty nice here. The hotel is too. I went for a swim earlier and the water was…’

‘I can’t do this.’ Stella got up.

‘Wait.’ I put my hand on hers. Making contact with her skin sent a jolt of electricity through me. I quickly pulled away. ‘Just give me a minute.Please.’

‘Fine.’ She sat back down.

‘Look, I know I fucked up. I can’t change that. Whenever you’re ready, I’ll explain. But until then, we’re here, in this amazing hotel. I know it won’t be easy for you, but can we try and make the most of it? I’m not asking you to like me – just totolerateme for a bit. Let’s try doing a few activities. And if you still hate me by the end of the week, we can talk to Jasmine again. As screwed up as it seems right now, they’ve matched us for a reason. So shall we give it a go? Even if it’s to prove them wrong? What do you say?’

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