Page 8 of The Invitation

“It was a promotion for our fifth anniversary.” Anouska plucks the bottle out of Charley’s hand before she has a chance to fill up again. “Not too much alcohol before spa treatments.”

She pouts. “I’m child- and husband-free, Anouska. I have to make the most of my freedom.”

Anouska smiles wide, revealing pearly whites past her poppy-red lips. “Shall we make our way to the spa now?”

We all place our glasses down, Anouska leads on, and I pick up my feet, nearly walking into Charley when she doesn’t move. Her eyes are wide, her mouth hanging open. I don’t need to ask her what’s up, especially when Abbie elbows me in the side.

“Lord have mercy on my soul for admiring another man,” Charley whispers.

“Mercy granted,” Abbie breathes. “Fuck ... me.”

I close my eyes and swallow, turning to face what has their attention. Or ...who. I’m wholly unprepared for the impact of him, despite knowing it’s faint-worthy. But this time, he’s standing, swinging on his suit jacket. His rough, bristly face has that cheeky sideways smile again. A dimple on his left cheek. His hair is so unperfect yet perfectly perfect. He’s irritatingly flawless. And tall. So tall.

“Hi,” Charley breathes.

“Hi,” Abbie squeaks, and I’m pretty sure they both melt on the spot as he passes.

My senses are further invaded when I catch a waft of something dizzyingly manly. Like sex in a scent. He stops and looks back over his shoulder. Eyes on me. They’re the colour of the sea. A beautiful, muted teal.

“You shoulddefinitelytry Hey Jude,” he says quietly.

“Okay.” I’m breathless.

And he leaves.

My entire body starts trembling, and it’s totally out of my control. I’m not sure what the others are doing. Mopping up their drool?

“He was talking to you,” Abbie says, linking arms with me on one side and Charley on the other. “Only you.”

“You’re imagining things.”

“Sure.” She laughs.

“If you won’t, I will.” Charley flaps the front of her tent dress. “Vows be damned.”

I laugh. “You’re ridiculous.”

“I know.” She shrugs. “Let’s go cool down in the spa.”

“Yes,” I whisper, rolling my shoulders to try and loosen my tight muscles. “Let’s.”

Chapter 3

This was supposed to be a relaxing day. I expected to find myself slinking away from the others to sneak a peek at my emails and check the financial world hadn’t collapsed. But instead of relaxing or sneakily disappearing to check my inbox, I was distracted from real life, bracing myself and holding my breath with every corner I turned and room I entered, wondering if another encounter with the man from the bar was written in the stars. And if I would die of pleasure from the thrill. Because that’s what it was. A thrill, despite my not being able to perform basic human functions in his presence.

And it pains me to admit that.

“A few more laps?” Abbie says as we reach the indoor end of the indoor/outdoor pool.

“I’m not ready to go home yet,” Charley grumbles, her head firmly above water, not daring to get her hair wet. I appreciate it. I’ve had to wait while she dries it on the one day of the week she washes it. It’s a mammoth task, and all three of us have yet to find a blow-dry spray that actually speeds up the painful process.

“I need to catch my breath.” Charley holds on to the edge as I haul myself up and sit on the side. “How is work, anyway?” she asks, breathless. “Any closer to partner?”

“Hey, we agreed no work today.” Abbie joins me and scowls down at Charley where she’s bobbing in the water.

“No, you made that agreement with yourself.” I elbow her. “Humour me for a moment.”

“Fine.”

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