Page 26 of Connected By Stars
“I’m glad I ran into you tonight, and I’m glad we didn’t sleep together so it’s not messy between us. Your ex is an idiot, you know. You’re going to make someone very happy someday.”
“Yeah, I guess the saying is true. Sometimes, you have to kiss a lot of frogs to find your prince.”
“Are you calling me a frog?” I raise my eyebrows at her, and she laughs.
“Well, you’re not my prince, so technically, you are a frog. But you are the nicest, hottest frog out of all the frogs I’ve kissed if that makes you feel better. Bell is a very lucky girl.”
“I’m starting to think that I’m the lucky one. Let’s just hope I don’t turn out to be one of her frogs.”
“With your stubbornness and protectiveness over the years toward her, she would have gotten rid of you a long time ago if you were a frog. You’re her prince—I just know it.” Her eyes light up with excitement and have a dreamy look in them.
“Ok, Cinderella. I better call it a night before you start singing about love.” I down the rest of my drink and smile.
“How are you getting home?” She frowns and looks at my empty glass.
“Uber.” I start to pull out my phone.
“I can take you home. I was here with some girlfriends and was about to leave when I spotted you. I only had two glasses of wine earlier and have had water since, so I’m good.”
“Are you sure? I don’t want to put you out.”
“It’s no trouble. We’re friends, right?”
“Yeah, we’re friends. Thanks for the ride, buddy.” I get up and sway a bit. She laughs and grabs my arm.
“Ok,buddy, let's get you home.”
Chapter Eleven
Bella
I wakeup alone in bed. Glancing at my clock, I see it’s almost ten. I tossed and turned most of the night, getting little sleep, so it’s no wonder why I slept in. Sophia must already be downstairs with everyone. I’m not looking forward to seeing Maverick this morning. I don’t want to face him right now after what happened last night. It went from the hottest kiss I’ve ever had to him denying me anything more and telling me to go after Logan.
I pull back the covers and use the bathroom. Pulling out my toothbrush from my bag, I brush my teeth and comb my hair before going downstairs. Emma’s pulling bacon out of the oven, and Sophia’s at the stove making pancakes. They both smile at me as I walk over to them.
“Hey, sleepy head. I hope you’re feeling better. Sophia said you had a headache last night.” Emma looks at me with a concerned look on her face.
I had a headache, alright, a 6’3 pain in my ass type of headache. “Yeah, I must have had too much wine. I’m feeling better today. Is there anything I can help with?”
Sophia flips over the pancakes before turning to me. “Ithink we have everything covered. Skye went to get some strawberries next door for the pancakes, and Noah and Cole are relaxing by the pool. Maverick should be over at some point.”
“He didn’t spend the night?” I ask, surprised. There’s no way he could have driven home. We all had way too much to drink last night.
“No, he took an Uber to a bar after we cleaned up last night. You know him. He probably went to hook up with somebody.”
I sit down suddenly, feeling sick to my stomach. He hooked up with someone last night? Nausea starts to roll in, and I close my eyes.
“Are you okay?” Emma asks, coming over to me and feeling my forehead. “You look pale. I hope you aren’t coming down with something. Let me get you some water.”
I take the glass of water she hands me and take a long sip. “Thanks. I guess I had more to drink than I thought last night. It’s probably just a small hangover. I’m sure I’ll feel better after I eat something.” The thought of food makes my stomach roll even more.
Emma studies me for a minute before turning to Sophia. “We really don’t know for sure if Maverick hooked up with anyone. He could have just had a drink or two at the bar and then went home. We shouldn’t assume anything.” She looks back at me again and gives me a small smile.
She knows I’m upset about it. She asked me a few months back if there was something between Maverick and me. I denied it, but I know she’s been watching us the last couple of months, probably trying to see if she’s right. I guess I’m not good at hiding things like I thought I was.
I give Emma a small smile. “Sophia’s probably right. We all know how Mav is. It’s not likely he’ll ever change.”
Skye comes in, and I help her cut up the strawberries,needing something to do. I get the plates down, and we carry the food to the back deck.
