Page 53 of The One That Got Away

‘I have condoms,’ Stella said. ‘Lots and lots of condoms! Ribbed ones, extra-large ones, thin ones! Take your pick!’

‘We won’t need them.’

‘Why not?’

‘I told you, because we need to talk.’

‘Why don’t you want me?’

‘I’m getting you some water.’ I walked over to the fridge, took out a bottle then brought it over. ‘Drink this.’

She guzzled it down then fell back on the bed.

Minutes later, she was sleeping.

After taking off her shoes, I pulled the sheet over her.

The Stella I knew was really careful with alcohol. If she was still like that, she might throw up. It didn’t feel right to leave her alone.

And I really needed to have that talk with her. If I left, I’d chicken out.

Right then I decided I’d stay here until Stella woke up.

I was determined to clear the air.

Once and for all.

24

STELLA

As daylight streamed through the curtains, I blinked, taking in my surroundings.

My head was pounding. It was like there was a bongos festival happening in my brain and my throat was drier than the Sahara.

I attempted to lift my head off the pillow. When I eventually dragged my neck upwards, I gasped. Max was on the floor.

What the hell? Why was he in my room? Did we have sex? If so, why was he on the floor and not on the bed?

No. That couldn’t be right. He still had his clothes on.

I peeped under the sheets and saw that I was fully dressed too.

Just as I reached for the glass of water on the bedside table, a flashback popped into my head.

No, no, no!

I only remembered bits and pieces. I’d drunk multiple glasses of wine when I was getting ready. Then when I got to the beach I’d had a couple of those delicious rum cocktails. Max stillwasn’t there, so I’d had those drinks that tasted like sangria. I didn’t remember having much to eat, though.

Then I think Max turned up. And then… wait. I think I danced with him and, oh yeah, he was hard, so I’d suggested…

Shit.

I think I’d suggested we go back to my room.

What happened after that, I had no idea.

A loud groan shot from my lips. This was why I never drank a lot. I couldn’t hold my alcohol. But it was an all-inclusive hotel so they were handing out drinks and cocktailsfor free. And they all tasted sooo good!

---