Page 20 of The One That Got Away

‘On a scale of one to ten, how did Max compare to the Hot Pool Guy you saw when you arrived?’

Then I remembered. I’d been so focused on venting about him turning up at the date that I hadn’t told Sammie about that part.

‘You’re not going to believe this, but turns out thatMaxwas the guy I saw at the pool.’

‘No way!’ she gasped.

‘Yes,way.’

‘How did you not recognise him?’

‘I didn’t see his face, remember? And even though Max always had a great body because of all the training he did, it wasn’t like it is now.Nowhe hasmuscles. Everywhere.’ As I replayed the images of him getting out of the pool, seeing him at the bar and at the table, my pulse raced. ‘Anyway. It doesn’t matter.’

‘Holy crap!’ Sammie gasped. ‘You fancy him!’

‘No, I don’t!’

‘You were gushing about how fit Hot Pool Guy was earlier and Max is him so,doh, of course you do!’

Dammit.

‘There’s more to attraction than just looks,’ I said quickly. ‘Yes, Max is physically attractive, but that’s it. I’m not staying for him. I’m doing it for Mum. Nothing’s going to happen between us.’

‘If you say so…’

‘I’m tired,’ I said, fighting the temptation to roll my eyes at Sammie’s ridiculous statement.

I was single, but I wasn’t desperate. I wasn’t some sad pathetic woman who just ran back to her ex because he said sorry a few times.

I’d take part in the activities with him, try to be civil and that was it. There’d be no romantic reunion.

‘Okay, hon. I’ll let you get your beauty sleep. Let me know how it goes tomorrow.’

‘Will do. Night.’

‘Night, night.’

10

STELLA

I was on my way to the induction. I’d already eaten breakfast at lightning speed because I was terrified that Max would turn up. Thankfully there was no sign of him and I hoped it was because he’d decided to go back to London. Assuming of course that was where he still lived.

For the first few years after we broke up I looked him up from time to time, but I never really found anything. Then I realised it wasn’t healthy and stopped.

It was so annoying that I’d successfully avoided him for years and now we’d be stuck in the same hotel together fortwo bloody weeks.

The induction was taking place by the pool. Just as I was about to take the corner that led me there, I spotted Max walking towards me. He was dressed in a dark blue vest, which of course showed off his incredible biceps and khaki shorts.

‘You stayed!’ He took off his sunglasses and as he looked at me, it was like his eyes were lasers, boring into my skin.

‘Ten out of ten for observation,’ I snapped.

‘You going to the induction?’

‘Yes.’

‘See you there.’

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