24
The news spread like wildfire.
Amanda was thrilled and announced the exciting news around the office. Lana was bombarded with congratulatory handshakes and well-wishing emails, lifting her hand repeatedly to show off her precious ring.
The fuss was a farce. Nosey people who rarely spoke to her pretended they were interested in her engagement, only to gawk at her ring and feed the back office chit-chat.
Their fake small talk was all bullshit.
A week late and the buzz had thankfully dwindled. Amanda peered over her monitor as Lana typed up a report. “Have you set a date?” she asked.
Lana glanced up, catching her friends prying eyes over the screen. She shrugged. “Nah. Nothing set yet. We aren’t in a rush to get married right now.”
Amanda’s eyes narrowed. “Really? You haven’t talked about when the big day will be?”
Quickly dropping her chin, Lana shifted on her seat. After she said yes and the ring rested on her finger, neither of them brought it back up in conversation.
The idea of fairy-tale bridal gowns and swanky tuxedoes was swept under the rug and ignored. “Nope. Just taking it day by day.”
Lana heard the annoying squeak from Amanda’s chair as she wheeled round the bank of desks to dig for more answers.
When they came face to face, Amanda looked concerned. “I told you to be honest with yourself, Lan. Do you really want to marry, Rory?”
Lana glanced down at the potential life sentence on her wedding finger. Silence settled between them.
Amanda seized her arm. “Oh shit, Lan. You fancy that dangerous guy, don’t you? The one who looks like a god and has a different woman for every occasion.”
Was it that obvious or had Amanda uncovered special skills to dive insides minds? And if she did, fuck, that would tell a dirty tale or a thousand.
Her eyes misted and she cleared her throat. “I can’t stop thinking about him. I know he’s a charming playboy with no intention of settling down with a girl like me, but…” The words trailed off, emotion bubbling under the armour she wore to keep him out of her thoughts.
Amanda sighed, muttering under her breath as she hunted for her mobile phone. Once she found it, she tapped on the small screen a few times. “There. Take a look for yourself, Lan.” Se shoved the phone into Lana’s hand. “The guy is a sexy asshole. All the girls think they can tame the bad guy. That pic was taken a couple of days ago in Marbella. He’s not thinking about you.”
She folded her arms across her chest. “I repeat… he’s not thinking about you.”
There, on the screen was a picture of a fancy yacht, three stunning women scantily clad on the sun deck. Marcus was lazing on his back, glossy black hair, a deepening tan and donning nothing more than ass hugging black swimwear.
Aviator sunglasses hid his observation of the beauties before him.
“Not just one girl.” She continued. “I bet he’s fucking all three girls at one time. Three women, Lana.” Amanda emphasised the word again and raised the matching amount of fingers.
Her pulse jumped and her gaze glued to the image. He looked so incredibly sexy, just kicking back like the world was his to own.
She felt like a silly kid with a crush. The ache in her heart splintered into a million pieces. It was wrong of her to be so upset. To feel betrayed. In reality, she was nothing to him.
Mischief twinkled in Amanda’s eyes as she took her phone back and grinned. “Anyway, Lan, you’re marrying, Rory, and I have a surprise for you.”
Lana’s gaze darted to hers. “Oh no, what have you done?” She winced, loathing surprises.
Amanda clapped her hands, expelling a high-pitched shriek. “Bubbles after work, of course. A few of us thought it was very necessary to celebrate your impending nuptials.”
Lana gulped. “Who’s going?” Dread tugged her mouth to a flat line.
This was the last thing she wanted.
“Don’t panic, it’s just Richard and Fi, then Ronny will join us after football training, at about 8 p.m. Geraldine wanted to come, but she has to help her mum.” Amanda rolled her eyes. “And me, the party planner and bridesmaid?” Her head cocked like was waiting for approval. “Or maybe just the best friend in attendance?” She grinned widely, baring her teeth.
Lana sighed. “I haven’t given it any thought. As for tonight, I’m so not dressed for the occasion.”