Page 57 of Hook Up

What I felt for Mandi, even in the beginning, pales compared to the adoration I feel for Greer. It’s not even close. Hell, it’s not even the same ballpark. And no matter what Mandi claims, she cheated on me. Twice.

Leaning against the doorframe, I block her forward movement into the house. “I don’t think we have anything to say to one another.”

“I have a few things to say to you if you can spare the time.”

Calling on all my patience, I hold back from rolling my eyes as I wave her into the house. The woman is a born drama queen. She won’t go away quietly. Best to let her speak her mind and then show her ass to the door.

Again.

I stop by the bar, pouring myself a glass of wine. Hey, I’m pretty damn positive I’ll need a drink for this conversation. “You want one?”

Mandi accepts my offering and we walk out to the patio. I consider it neutral territory, the proverbial no-man's-land for her forthcoming painful diatribe.

Crossing her long legs, she glances around at the place she used to call home. It’s crazy how much can change in thirty days. “How have you been?”

I sputter my drink, glaring in her direction. “Save the pleasantries. Say what you have to say.”

“You claim we aren’t good together, but I disagree. We had several wonderful months and there was love there, even if we lost our way in the end.”

“Why are you involving me in that statement? You cheated, remember? That’s what ended this relationship.”

“And the first thing you do is fly to Vegas and hook up with another woman. Who is she, anyway? Some high-dollar stripper?”

“How is that your business?” I refuse to divulge any information about my wife to Mandi, especially before the press release. All Greer needs is to be harangued by my ex-girlfriend about how she stole her man, or whatever inane story she creates in her mind. That will definitely send her scrambling for the hills.

“Is she here? I’d like to meet the woman who’s taken my place. Have you moved her in yet?”

“Was this your plan? Barrage me with questions about the woman in Vegas?”

“Does she mean anything, or was she just a fling?”

“Again, none of your business.” I sit forward, my foot tapping ceaselessly on the ground. “You should go.”

“Do you know why I cheated?”

This time the eye roll wins out. I don’t give a damn why she cheated. It’s over and done with, and now I need her gone.

Unlucky for me, Mandi is far from finished.

“You were emotionally unavailable, Ryder. All you care about is your stupid car and your stupid races.”

A harsh bark of laughter shoots from my lips. “First, that isn’t true. Second, thatstupid carafforded your lifestyle here. But instead of appreciating it, you threw it in my face. Fucked someone else.”

“So did you. Don’t forget you stepped out on me, too.”

It’s a low blow, but I should have known it would come around to my indiscretion. Was I unfaithful to Mandi? Depends on how you look at it. After she cheated the first time, I dumped her ass, went to the club, and screwed a woman whose name I don’t recall.

It was a real low point, but I own my past—the good and bad parts.

“We also said after our reconciliation that we would focus on making this relationship work. Do you recall that discussion? Apparently not, since you screwed a man in my house while I was away.” Another bark of laughter cuts through the night air. “Well, you thought I was away. We both got one hell of a surprise that day.”

Mandi grasps my hands, an unexpected and wholly unwelcome move. “I know I messed up, but I’d like you to consider giving us another chance. A real chance.”

I open my mouth to object, but she waves her hand, silencing my argument.

“Give it some thought. That’s all I ask.”

She stands suddenly, pressing a kiss to my mouth before turning toward the door.

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