Page 16 of The Billionaire Bodyguard Next Door

I hitched forward. “No. Big. Deal? Are you serious right now? Aren't you supposed to be my friend? You literally just said that Beck is the guy I can't stand.”

Faith smiled coyly. “Don't you think all that built-up tension means something?”

I poured another glass of Pellegrino. “Please. It means we're likely to combust when we're together.”

Faith narrowed her eyes. “You know, you never did tell me what happened between you two.”

I crossed my legs. “That's because nobody needs to hear this story.”

“You realize that only makes me want to hear it more, right?”

“I promise. It's not that exciting.” Panty-melting sex was actually very exciting. What happened after? Not so much.

“Tell me. Tell me,” Faith chanted.

I shoveled a giant forkful of noodles into my mouth.

“I'm pretty sure you're the one who encouraged me to climb Sebastian like a tree. Why clam up now?” Faith asked. “Besides, now might be the time to throw that sage advice back in your face.”

The noodles tasted like soap on my tongue. I set the bowl down and used the napkin from my lap to dab the corner of my mouth. What happened between me and Beck was something I never spoke about. To anyone. It was too embarrassing and nothing embarrassed me.

Except the sharp pain of rejection that came from the hottest man to walk this planet.

I mentioned the multiple orgasms, right? I'm pretty sure I mentioned those once or twice.

How I’d canceled plans the day after we hooked up in anticipation of his call. How I watched the screen to see if he’d called, going so far as restarting the phone because something certainly had to be wrong with it if he said he was going to call but didn't. I'd checked the charge no fewer than half a dozen times that day.

And when he still hadn't bothered to call days later, the feeling of being let down crushed me. Reminded me of another man who was full of promises and no follow through.

But Beck…

I felt the loss of thepotentialof him. I didn't love him—I wasn't crazy enough to fall for someone that quickly—but there was something kindling between us.

Or so I foolishly thought.

Faith's teasing grin disappeared. “Now I'm worried he hurt you and I need to go kick his ass or something.”

“He didn't physically hurt me, if that's what you're concerned about.”

“Hurt isn't always physical.” She set her glass down on the coffee table with a thunk. “I’m going to pull a you and kick his ass.”

Faith went to stand, and I tugged her arm down. “Fiiiinneee. You win. I'll tell you everything.”

I pulled the pillow out from behind me and placed it in my lap, playing with the little poms that surrounded all four sides.

My mouth suddenly felt dry as the Sahara. I sipped my water and cleared my throat. Faith looked on as if she were biting her tongue, waiting for me to begin.

“It was eight years ago.”

Faith squealed. Her eyes bulged. “I knew it!”

Her wine almost sloshed over and onto the couch.

“Careful!” I shouted.

Faith settled, swiping up a streak of wine from the outside of her wine glass looking properly chastised. “Sorry.”

“Eight years ago. We were at a party hosted by one of my college friends. I was on the prowl. Beck fit the bill. And voila, we hooked up.” I made a grand gesture with my hands.

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