Page 100 of From the Moment We Met

Jacob huffed with exasperation. “Give me a fucking break! Can’t you handle it, Roger?” His lips kissed Lilly’s forehead, mouthing an apology.

“Yeah, that’s just it. She’s very insistent. I don’t know how she knew you were here, she’s got fucking radar on you or something. You know what? I’ll tell her to fuck off. You’re here with your girlfriend, and she needs to leave.” The disgust in Roger’s voice left no question to the identity of the mystery visitor.

“No, don’t say anything. I’ll be right there, give me a minute.” Jacob sighed, his face pained. “I’m sorry Lilly, I have no idea how Victoria knew I was here.”

Lilly sat frozen, mortified by Jacob’s response to Victoria’s sudden arrival. “You’re leaving? You’re going to Victoria? After what just happened? I thought you were her public escort, why do you care what she thinks tonight?” The questions were choked, her throat struggling to find enough air.

Jacob pulled out of her and stood. “She’s going to make everyone’s life hell if I don’t get out there. I’m so sorry.”

Lilly’s cheeks flamed. She played right into Jacob’s hand. He got what he wanted and now, he was done. She stood up and began pulling on her clothes, refusing to meet Jacob’s gaze. “You’re sorry? That’s your response? You’re sorry?”

He stayed her movements, pulling her to him. “Being inside you, making love to you, it’s the most incredible feeling in the world. I’ve never felt this way before either—”

Lilly’s anger flared, and she pushed out of his grip. “You could have fooled me as you’re running out the goddamn door back to your ex-girlfriend! Or is it current girlfriend? Was that another convenient lie you spouted?” She ignored the look of pain that crossed his face. “Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. Fool me three times, I’m a fucking idiot!” Jacob reached for her, but Lilly was in no mood to be coddled. “You won’t even admit to Victoria you’re here with me, will you? You fuck me and then run out the door to her.”

“I didn’t fuck you, I made love to you.”

He also didn’t answer her question, which meant Lilly had her answer.

Tears spilled from her eyes as she fought to maintain any vestiges of her dignity. “That wasn’t love, that was a mistake. The biggest mistake of my life.”

Jacob cleaned up and pulled on his clothing, but Lilly could see his hands trembling. He paused at the door, his ever-present prose failing him. Finally, he sputtered, “You’re the most amazing woman I’ve ever met, and what we experienced was not a mistake. How I feel is not a mistake. My situation is so complicated—”

“Stop. I’ve heard enough of your lies.”

“They’re not lies, Lilly.”

“You have to make a choice, right? Life is full of choices—”

“Lilly, please.”

“I’ll make it easy on you. I’ll make the choice for you. You got what you wanted—another checkmark in your black book. There’s no need to continue. You got what you came for.” Her words were no more than a whispered garble as her heart shattered in her chest. “Goodbye, Jacob.”

His blue eyes were unusually bright as he drew in a shaky breath. “Lilly, that is not true. You are everything to me! Don’t do this—”

“Go.”

Jacob shook his head, sniffling as he opened the door. “I didn’t know life could feel this way, that I could feel this way. You’re the best moments I’ve ever had.”

“If I was, then you wouldn’t be leaving. Go. Leave. Now.” Even she was surprised by the strength in her voice, in those few words. Conversation over.

Lilly waited until the door closed to release the dam of emotions, utter humiliation rushing through every pore. You’re an idiot, you fell for it, hook line and sinker. You believed every lie he told and gave him exactly what he wanted…another notch on his goddamn bedpost.

Sucking in her breath, she wiped her face. She wanted to sneak out but realized her purse and jacket were still in the other room. She’d have to face the music, so she donned her strongest armor before opening the bathroom door.

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