Page 15 of Holly Ever After

“Where the fuck did you hear that?” he finally snaps, his voice rough, eyes blazing with suppressed anger.

I search my mind, but I can't come up with an answer, probably because I don't have one. Jesus, did I just assume that's what happened and ran with it until I believed it to be the truth? Sean's a womanizer. I know it. He knows it. But now, guilt and embarrassment are crawling into my chest, making me want to curl up in a ball somewhere, far away from the heat of Sean’s stare as he waits for a more intelligent answer than silence.

But I don't have one.

He scoffs, his gaze unwavering. “You always did have an active imagination. How about you leave it for your books this time?”

The sting of shame paints my cheeks a fierce red, and it’s a struggle not to avert my gaze, not to admit defeat. But the words of apology are lodged in my throat, imprisoned by a mixture of pride, pain, and a whirlwind of unresolved emotions. So I stand there, my silence a loud echo in the space around us, wishing the earth would open up and consume me, freeing me from his penetrating eyes and the undeniable truth in his words.

He disappears into another room before a word of apology can escape my lips, and the next two hours blend into nothing but clattering keys and the buzz of power tools.

I should apologize, I know I should.

I stand to go to him, but there’s a scratching sound that tears me away from my internal battle, forcing my eyes to roam around.

Empty.

Sean reappears, stalling at the doorway as his gaze locks onto something on the floor.

“You've got mice,” he announces, his tone detached.

Never in my life have I moved so fast. I climb onto the table. I’d cling to the ceiling beams if I was sure they wouldn’t fall down.

“Sean, you better not be messing with me. You know I hate mice,” I nearly wail, my hands trembling as my eyes dart to the floor.

But Sean, he’s the epitome of calm, the embodiment of ice cold. He approaches, every muscle in his body a tense line, veins in his forearms prominent. Then, with a suddenness that leaves me breathless, he clasps my chin between his fingers, forcing our gazes to lock.

“There's no mice,” he states, his voice a sharp whisper. “In future, don't believe everything you hear.”

A wave of realization crashes over me.

Well played, Sean. Well played.

Eight

“Holly?” The door swings open, Rachel’s exhausted face peeking out from inside. Her eyes are wide, her cheeks flushed. “I… I wasn’t expecting visitors.”

I smile, noticing how even her lips are swollen. Poor Rachel. “It’s only me.”

Her mouth tilts, but her cheeks are still burning red. “It’s just…” She looks around, trying to find her words. “To hell with it. The place looks like a dump. I can’t bend over to pick anything up from the floor, and I’m pretty sure Mia is already jealous of the new baby. She’s been glued to my hip all week.” Her shoulders sag forward as if getting it off her chest was a weight released.

“Looks like I’m right on time. I’m here to kidnap Mia.”

I’ve never seen a face light up so bright. “Really?”

“Yeah, I thought we’d go ice skating.”

“You are my angel.” She steps aside to let me in. “It might give me a chance to tidy this place.”

I press my hand to her shoulder. “Relax. Go to bed and sleep. I can give the place a tidy when I get back with Mia.”

She blows out a long breath. “I think I married the wrong sibling.”

“Of course you did. Now where is our little girl?”

She must have heard me because Mia comes barreling my way, a dangerously large Lego tower ready to topple in her chubby hands. “Lolly!”

My heart aches. I love that she can’t pronounce my name yet.

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