Chloe
Yesterday had been quite the whirlwind. It was only dampened by the fact that Rhett was nowhere to be seen when I woke up. His fancy car was out in the forecourt, but there was no sign of him in the house.
I showered in Rhett’s huge shower and wiped the steam from the mirror to stare at my face. I looked the same as always. You’d never have known that the earth moved beneath me last night.
Combing my hair, I let my mind wander. It had been the best first time a girl could ask for, and it didn’t seem like it was a one-off. Rhett didn’t act like that was his intention.
Duh, because you told him not to worry about it. Right, I kept forgetting. Whatever happened in the future, I wouldn’t regret it. I’d wanted a night of passion, the kind you never forget, and I’d had one.
I held onto that feeling getting ready for work and all the way to the kitchen.
The doorbell rang loudly, echoing through the lake house. I stopped, startled by the noise, and wondered what to do. It rang again as I hesitated. Well, I guessed I should open it.
“Hello?” I pulled the door wide and aimed a smile at the caller. As I realized who it was, my smile dropped.
Victoria Blakely stood on the doorstep, foot tapping in her designer sandals, looking put out that I’d taken so long to answer.
As soon as she saw me, her eyes narrowed. “I’m here to see Rhett.”
“He isn’t here,” I said sweetly.
She tilted her head to the side, inspecting me like I was a particularly loathsome specimen. “Are you the cleaner?”
“Me? No. I’m crap at cleaning,” I quipped. Shit, why did I open the door?
“Haven’t I seen you before? Did you have dinner with Rhett the other night at Hill Crest?” Victoria asked, making the question sound like an accusation.
“Yes, I did. It’s not a crime, is it?”
“Well, if you think eating with someone else’s fiancée isn’t rude, I can’t help you,” Victoria said.
“He specifically told me you weren’t engaged,” I fought back, getting annoyed by this spoiled little rich girl throwing a tantrum.
Victoria laughed, the sound like razorblades to my ears. She tossed her head. “He would say that if he thought he could sway some lackey into bed for the night.”
Those words weren’t friendly and didn’t feel nice to hear. My smile wavered. “You don’t seem to have much trust in your fiancée if you expect him to sleep around.”
Victoria’s eyes narrowed. “The engagement isn’t official or finalized yet,” she snapped.
“Cool, so I’m late for work. What do you want?” I asked bluntly.
Victoria put her hands to her velour-clad hips. “I came to catch Rhett on his run. We used to work out together all the time. It’s a couple thing we do.” She smiled at me condescendingly. “Don’t take this the wrong way, but men like Rhett Sutton don’t settle down easily. He loses interest quickly in business, deals… women. It’s how he is. I know that, and I accept him. Since we’re on the same level, society-wise, I appreciate how his mind works. That’s what a wife of Rhett’s level needs.”
“Are you serious? So, you wouldn’t care if he sleeps around on you?” The upper classes were nuts.
Victoria laughed, and it sounded cruel. “Oh, sweetheart, there’s not a rich man in this world who stays loyal to his wife. That question shows how incredibly naïve you are in the ways of men.”
My patience snapped. I was going to be late for my shift, and I didn’t know where Rhett had gone. This woman was getting on my nerves, and it looked like there was more to their relationship than he had let on. Wasn’t she right? I was naïve. Until last night I’d been a virgin. He could have played me perfectly, and I’d have no idea.
I was done. I had my great memory, and it was all I’d expected. I couldn’t change the goalposts now. It wasn’t fair. And those things Rhett had whispered in my ear when he’d been inside me? Heat of the moment stuff. Not reality.
“Why don’t you wait inside for him? I’ve got to get to work.” Damn, I just remembered I didn’t have my wallet with me. I’d left the pool in such a whirlwind yesterday. I stuck my hand out to Victoria. “I noticed a bus stop at the end of the road. Could you lend me a few bucks?”
Victoria blinked at me, no doubt shocked by how gauche I was. Well, whatever, lady. I couldn’t walk miles in sandals. She pulled ten dollars out of her wallet and passed it to me, a look of superiority settling onto her Botoxed brow.
“Here, take this. Try and get the help you need,” she muttered.
“With ten dollars? Thanks,” I called as I stepped out and descended the stairs. Thank God he’d given me some sweats to wear, or I’d be going for the bus in my bathing suit. I waved to Victoria, waited until she turned her back to me, and gave her the finger.
Good riddance to both of you.But why did my heart hurt so much? I forged on, nearly running down the road, trying to ignore the tears in my eyes.