Page 39 of About That One Night
“I already figured it all out,” Jacob argues.
I bite my lip, fighting back a grin. Same old family dynamics, even at my sister’s fairy-tale wedding.
Mom huffs but doesn’t press further, her attention returning to the stunning resort. I catch Audrey’s eye and smirk, mouthing, “Good luck,” as she spots Liam and heads toward him.
I glance over my shoulder as another black SUV pulls up behind ours. The back door opens, and a person in baggy sweats steps out. Then I see the beautiful face, and my jaw drops. Zoe.
Zoe Harper, taunting me again like she did during the plane ride. There’s just something about her that drives me insane, even when I know we can’t do anything in front of others. I wanted to push everyone out of the plane so I could drag her to the bathroom and steal a little taste of those pouty lips or—just one minuscule moment with her, that’s all I ask for.
I glance at her again, and I’m salivating.
One taste—just a nibble. I have to wait until tonight when everyone is in their room and I can go to hers. Still no sleepovers, but I can’t wait to be with her again.
Instead of continuing to stare at her like an idiot, I decide to head toward the entrance, but our paths converge.
“Max. What a surprise,” she says coolly, her tone implying it’s anything but.
I give a curt nod. “Zoe. I wouldn’t see how it can be a surprise since we shared a plane ride, the bride is my sister—and the groom my best friend, but you?”Iwince internally, realizing the last part came out more sarcastically than intended.
“If you must know, I was trying to be polite,” she snarls.
“By pretending you belong and we’re old-time pals?” I retort and then flinch, because maybe I’m going a little too far.
Her jaw drops. “Oh, wow, I didn’t know we had to have a résumé of qualifications prepared upon arrival. The point is that I was invited, and I wouldn’t miss a week in paradise just because someone thinks I don’t belong.”
I can tell she’s upset, even though she’s trying to hide it. The tension between us is palpable, and I regret my harsh words, but it’s too late to take them back now.
We stare at each other for a long, charged moment. My traitorous heart thumps in my chest, as always affected by her presence. But I shake it off.
I clear my throat and gesture toward the entrance with forced casualness. “We should probably check in.”
“Right.” She brushes past me, the jasmine scent of her perfume making me want things I shouldn’t. “See you around, Maximillian.”
As she walks away, I’m left battling my conflicting emotions, reminding myself to focus on the reason we’re all here: the wedding. Though, Zoe Harper is definitely making this wedding a lot more interesting.
As I make my way into the grand lobby, I’m struck by the sheer opulence of the resort. High ceilings, marble floors, and ornate chandeliers create anatmosphere of luxury and grandeur. The space buzzes with activity as guests arrive, their excited chatter mixing with the soft strains of instrumental music playing in the background.
I spot my family near the check-in desk and head over to join them. Mom is already gushing about the beautiful surroundings to a smiling receptionist, while Dad and Jacob discuss their plans for a round of golf later in the afternoon.
“You should make a tradition of celebrating your wedding anniversary here,” Mom tells Audrey, who’s looking at Liam without paying attention to our mother.
“Let them say ‘I do,’ first,” I say, trying to distract her from her plans. Any second now, she’ll be asking about grandchildren, and Liam might just head for the hills before the wedding even starts.
My eyes scan the lobby, seeking a distraction, when suddenly they lock ontoher. Zoe.Again. She’s at the reception desk.
Audrey sidles up to me, her elbow gently nudging my ribs. “You two are the only single guests we have for this wedding,” she says, her tone far too chipper for my liking. I tear my gaze from Zoe to find a knowing glint in her eye.
“So she didn’t fix her differences with Tom the Tool?” I mutter, still staring at Zoe. That’s a good question, right?
If we don’t know each other well, then I can ask about her infamous ex-boyfriend who I hope is far away from her mind.
“There was nothing to fix between them,” Aud says casually.
“Why? I mean you don’t just break up with the person you live with.” I try to sound uninterested, but somehow it feels like I need to learn a lot more about Zoe and her relationship with Tom. We never discuss him, because who wants to exchange ex’s tales when you can just have mindless sex—even when it’s only half way because she has some fucking rules.
“You did break up with Angelina,” she reminds me.
“First of all, we weren’t together together. Also, she was sleeping with someone else,” I say defensively. “Is that what happened to her?” Because if the asshole cheated, I’m going to kill him—after I torture him for hurting Zoe.
