Page 16 of Dirty Little Secret

7

Holly

“Ihave an extra pepper spray you can use.”

I roll my eyes at Sara, the motion causing the mascara brush to touch the skin just under my eyebrow. Cursing, I grab a tissue and scrub the dark spot until it’s gone.

“Thanks, but I won’t need it.”

The flutter in my belly twists into a heavy, unsettling sensation, like part of me hopes I will need it. I have no idea what Andrew has in store for me tonight and I can’t wait to find out.

“Maybe I should go with you,” Sara murmurs. “Just to make sure he doesn’t kill you and dump your body in a canal, or something… what?” She gives me an innocent shrug when I glare at her.

“Nobody is going to hurt anybody,” I grumble. “Well, unless you count me jabbing your eye out with this brush.” I lift the mascara wand threateningly and Sara shrinks back, nearly falling off my bed.

“I’m glad you’re confident and all that, but just remember, you barely know the guy.”

Everything in me wants to argue that I do know him, that I know him on a level I’ve never known anyone else, but I can’t be bothered getting into an argument with her. The important thing is that I trust that Andrew will never make me do anything I don’t want.

I shove the mascara brush back into its tube and drop it on the table, then I study my reflection in the mirror. The dress I chose matches my plum-coloured lips and when I zip it up, the tight bodice and full, short skirt that stops mid-thigh give off the sexy vibe I was hoping for. I take a deep breath, excitement pulsing through my body.

“Isn’t that a bit short?” Sara lifts her eyebrows.

“It’s longer than everything you own,” I snort back.

She rolls her eyes. “The difference is I’m me. You’re the good girl, remember? You’re sweet little Holly—”

“Stop it already,” I interrupt. She’s really starting to piss me off, to the point where I’m regretting asking her to come over in the first place. “I really don’t get why you have such a problem with this.”

“He’s your ex-boyfriend’s father.” Sara frowns at me. “What kind of guy goes after his son’s ex?”

“I was the one who went after him,” I remind her. “Or you did, if you want to be technical about it.”

Sara groans. “Fine, I’ll shut up. Just be careful, okay? And take things slow.”

I bite back a smile.

Now probably isn’t the time to tell her about last night.

“I promise I’ll be careful,” I say, giving her a kiss on the cheek. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a date to get to.”

Outside, I wave my friend off as she gets into her car, then I start walking in the opposite direction. The Bluebell is a bar conveniently located right across from my apartment, but I take the long way there, walking around the park instead of going through it. Given how late it is and how poorly lit the park is at night, I don’t want to take the risk.

It’s kind of ironic, considering how many risks I’ve been taking lately.

Inside the bar, I take a seat at a booth near the window so I can see when Andrew arrives. Anticipation fills my stomach, but every now and then my anxiety takes over. I’m nervous about seeing him in person, especially after what happened last night.

Twenty minutes pass and he’s still not here.

I check the message again to make sure I have the time right. By ten thirty, I’m sure I’ve been stood up. I try calling him but there’s no answer. I hate the way I’m feeling right now. Even though I know this is out of character and I’m sure he’ll have a good reason for standing me up, the doubts still creep in. The worst part is when the sexy guy behind the bar offers me a free drink and a sympathetic smile, obviously feeling sorry for me.

“I would’ve showed up for you,” he says with a wink.

My cheeks heat. Is it that obvious I’ve been stood up?

I’m just about to leave when a text pops up on my phone.

Andrew: Walk home through the park.

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