Page 49 of The Seven Month Itch
“That’s okay.” I do my best to keep the mood light. It’s not the end of the world. Look at me with this growth. “Next time.”
His gaze turns serious. “I promise I will make it up to you.”
You better, Preston Donnelley. You better.
Chapter 22
Justice
Sweat and tears scald my eyes. The pain doesn’t register because of the laughter that comes in waves. Emma and her two left feet are entertainment in its purest form. If she weren’t on the dance floor, people might call for help.
The woman couldn’t find the beat if her life depended on it.
“Don’t think this reflects my skills between the sheets.” She fumbles another step when I try to lead.
I brace my hands over my knees and holler. My best friend, who usually moves like water, looks a mess. And I freaking love it. I struggle to catch my breath and reach up to wrap her in my arms. She’s out of her element, and I’m horrible for my reaction.
“I-I’m sorry, Em.” I press my lips to her cheek to keep from laughing in her face. That earns me an elbow to the shoulder on the way to our table. Hey, I tried. I hand her a water and take the chair next to hers.
We watch other guests in silence when a strange noise fills the air. I turn, thinking Emma is choking, only to find her in tears. “Em, you okay?” I look her over for the source of the pain. Crap, did I push her too hard?
“I really can’t dance for shit.” The words barely stumble out before she leans back and snorts with laughter.
I lean against her and bite my lips to stifle a giggle. “Guess we can’t all be perfect.” Here come the tears again. I haven’t laughed this hard in a long time.
She wipes her eyes and looks at me. “It’s good to see you like this, even if it’s at my expense.” She straightens. “How did lunch with Preston go?”
I fill her in on all the details—the billionaire part included—and how he couldn’t make it because of work. Emma is quieter than usual. Surely she has some response to me with abillionaire, of all things. She looks like she wants to say something but hesitates.
“What is it?” I frown.
“I’m really happy to see the confident Justice surface. I really am.”
“But?”
“ButI’m afraid you’re entertaining a man who doesn’t want the same things as you. I don’t want to see you hurt.”
Not what I expected to hear. “I thought you approved of Preston.”
She puts her hand over mine and smiles. “If you want to bang a billionaire, by all means, honey. But I know your heart, and settling for a guy because the one youactuallywant isn’t available isn’t your style. Sweetie, never change yourself for a man.”
Em’s words roll through me with the force of a freight train. She’s right. Preston seems like a good guy, but he’s not the onefor me. No matter how hard I fight to block out my desires, someone else still has my heart.
My bottom lip trembles, and my vision starts to blur. Not again.
Hold it together. If you act like a baby, they will put you in the corner.
I exhale. “You’re right. I guess I wanted to enjoy his company here since I can’t…” My voice trails off.
“Since you can’t have Terrence?”
I look down and nod.
“Oh, sweetie.” She wraps her arms around me and rubs my back. “As long as you’re honest with Preston about your intentions, I don’t think a few dates are a big deal. But he deserves to know it won’t continue once you leave this resort.” She leans back to look me in the eyes. “With that said, you need to have a talk—nota shouting match—with Terrence. If he’s the one you want, you need to tell him.”
“What if I’m too late? What if he doesn’t want me anymore?” What if I pushed him away so many times that he landed in Madison’s arms and doesn’t plan on coming back?
Emma huffs and waves a hand. “What happened to the confident Justice? You’re an amazing woman. An amazing catch. Terrence is only acting out because men are idiots and don’t know how to express themselves. Madison didn’t have anything on you back then, and she doesn’t now. If you want your husband, go get him and his dick back.”
