Page 179 of My Ruthless Opponent

She loves him. Raleigh had said she is just her childhood friend. But her words pricked my heart. Her words hinted at something far deeper than mere friendship.

Several minutes later the sound of the footsteps puts a stop to my thoughts. I lift my head.

Raleigh strolls to our table. But he doesn’t come to me. Instead, he rounds the table and stands beside Summer.

When she acts like Raleigh is invisible, he pokes her upper arm with a finger.

No response.

He does it again. “I said I’m sorry.” His tone is remorseful.

She avoids him by striking up a conversation with Brielle.

Part of me wants to push off my seat and leave. I try to concentrate on the waterfall, I really do. I attempt to occupy my mind by staring anywhere else than at them. But it’s fucking impossible. It’s impossible to ignore the fact that Raleigh is fighting for her attention.

Raleigh grabs her chair and tilts it, making her yelp.

“What are you doing? She’ll fall.” I chide.

Summer answers before Raleigh can. “Don’t worry. He doesn’t have a death wish. Right, Raleigh?” She cranes her neck back to stare at him.

“I am sorry, Summer. Forgive me?” He makes a puppy dog face and I want to flip the table.

She cringes. “God! I need to bleach my eyes now.” He pushes her chair, and she cries out.

“Stop bitching, will you? I said I was sorry.” He scowls down at her.

“Not enough, asshole.” She snaps but her blue and green eyes are gleaming.

He rests her chair down, turns it so she is facing him, and sighs. “What do I have to do for you to forgive me?”

“Let me ride your bike.” Summer doesn’t miss a beat.

“No.” He scowls.

“Forget it then.” She smiles at him.

My stomach knots when they both seem to be locked in a staring contest.

I am about to get up and leave this fucking place when Raleigh yields to her demand.

“Fine. But only once and I am going with you.”

“Done.” She grins.

He huffs. “Come on, I’ll take you to your suite.”

“I don’t want to—”

“Your favorite ice cream is waiting.”

She pushes to her feet in a second. “Good night, girls. Enjoy your party, Hannah.”

With that, she leaves with him.

I stay still, unmoving. I don’t react about how he didn’t even look at me.

Jealousy slices through my insides, cutting it deep until I can’t fucking breathe.

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