Page 69 of The Runaway Bride of Blitzen Bay (Blitzen Bay)

Chapter Thirty

NOELLE

December 24

Blitzen Bay, California

“If you don’t tell me what room she’s in, I’ll beat on every door until I find her!”

I jolt awake and look around quickly. I’m in my bed at the Holly House. I swear I just heard Steve’s voice, but it must have been in a dream. I shake my head and look at my phone. It’s almost eleven. Nash dropped me off after we got back from Big Bear around five. I was so worn out from our run-in with Trip that I went right to bed. That must be why I’m dreaming about Steve.

“Man, back off! I’m sick of this stupid town. Are you going to tell me where she is or do I start breaking down doors?”

That was Steve’s voice and I’m not asleep. I throw on a pair of leggings and Nash’s flannel shirt. When I get to the landing, I see Hank blocking Steve from the stairs. Claire’s running around in circles behind them.

“Steve! What are you doing here?”

He looks up and glares at me. The hatred in his eyes makes me freeze halfway down the stairs.

“Oh, look, there she is, my slutty fiancé.”

He takes a step back and waves his arms up at me.

“Why don’t you go back to your room, Noelle?” Hank says without looking back at me.

Claire looks like she’s about to start crying.

“No, it’s fine. You guys can go back to bed. Steve and I need to talk.”

Hank’s still blocking the stairs. When I pat him on the shoulder, he hesitantly moves his arm to let me by.

“Is he up in your room right now?” Steve grabs my arm as he nods up the stairs.

“No one’s in my room,” I say as I yank my arm away from him. “And if you touch me again, this is going to end badly for you. If you want to talk, we can go outside.”

“He’s not coming with us.” Steve nods toward Hank who’s standing right behind me.

I turn to Hank. “I’m fine. Thank you. I’m sorry for the disturbance. It’s all good. You can go back to bed.”

“I’m not going to bed until you’re back in your room,” Hank says. “Go outside if you want, but I’m watching you. I don’t trust him.”

Steve takes a step toward Hank, but I push him back. “Let’s go, Steve. Your problem is with me, not him.”

I throw on my coat and follow Steve out to the porch. He whips around as soon as the door closes.

“So you weren’t having an affair with Nash, huh? Dad told me he saw you with him today.”

“We’re not having an affair,” I say as I walk over and sit on the bench. “I met him on our wedding day. Believe what you want, but that’s the truth.”

“How am I supposed to believe that, Noelle? You’re running around with him. Dad said he was all over you.”

“I’m not having an affair with him. We’re friends, but does it matter? This isn’t about him. It’s about you and me.”

He slams his fist down on the hood of his Jeep. “You and me? Seems like it’s just about you. You’re doing what you want. Maybe I should sleep with a few people to even us up a bit.”

“We’re done, Steve,” I say, standing up. “I’m sorry I left you at the altar. I’m sorry I didn’t break up with you months ago when I knew it was over. I’m sorry I hurt you. I’m sorry I handled this badly, but it’s done. You think whatever you need to think to help it make sense to you.”

“You’re such a bitch.” He falls back against the Jeep like his legs won’t hold him up anymore. “I can’t believe you’re doing this. You’re so selfish. I never realized that about you until now.”

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