Page 23 of Dirty Little Secret

“You showed him?” I glare at Andrew, shocked he would do that. I can’t shake the feeling that I’m being played. Nothing is what I think it is.

“Of course I didn’t. He grabbed my phone and saw them.” Andrew finally has the balls to look me in the eye. I believe he’s telling me the truth now, but is it too little too late? “Please, Holly, I would never—”

“I need time to think,” I cut him off.

I brush past them and stalk outside, pausing when I remember how I got here.

“Holly, wait.” Nick follows me outside. “Let me take you home.”

I consider it, because the only alternative is letting Andrew take me home. If that happens, I know I’ll cave and forgive him. I’m not ready to do that just yet.

“Fine.”

I climb into Nick’s car, doing everything I can to ignore the way Andrew is looking at me.

“Are you okay?” Nick asks when we’re safely out of sight.

I shrug. I don’t know what I’m feeling right now, aside from disappointed and angry. Not only at Andrew, but at myself for falling so fucking hard so fast.

“For what it’s worth, I meant what I said to Dad. I regret breaking up with you.”

Two weeks ago, I might have fallen for Nick’s words and taken him back, but so much has changed since then. I’ve changed. I’m a different girl—one who’s not afraid to voice what she wants and what she doesn’t want.

One thing I’m certain of; Nick is not the man I want to be with.

“I’m sorry, Nick, but I don’t want to get back with you.”

“Because of him?” His bitter words cut through me like ice. “You really think anything between the two of you is going to last?” He lets out a harsh laugh. “You think he’s going to marry you, Holly? Do you want me to start calling you Mummy?” My cheeks flame and Nick sighs. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean that. I’m just hurt.”

“This isn’t my fault,” I remind him. “You and I were over a long time before you ended things.” I wet my lips, spurring myself on. “I don’t even think you miss me. Not really. You might miss having someone around, but be honest with yourself, Nick. Be honest with me.”

Without saying a word, he pulls up outside the front of my apartment and waits for me to get out. I unlock the door and push it open, giving him one last glance before getting out and slamming the door shut.

Fuck Nick for making me feel ashamed of my feelings.

Fuck Andrew for lying to me and to his own son.

Fuck everything.

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