Page 75 of The Jealous Girl

‘Things are going to get easier, you know.’ He lifted his hand and brushed his thumb across my cheek. ‘Simpler.’

I nodded.

Just us again.

27

NOW

Late August

Wednesday

I couldn’t get the image of Ben’s face out of my mind. His anger. The disgust in his eyes. It had been so strong. So unexpected.

All the way home, my thoughts had been consumed with trying to unravel his reaction. I pulled into my parking space, picked up my laptop and notepad, and stepped out of the car. I crossed the car park towards the entrance of my building, still unable to make sense of it.

I didn’t even see her. Not until I was right in front of her.

I stopped dead.

Charlotte.

Standing right in front of the entrance. Blocking my path.

What was she doing here? She should have been out riding by now. She always rode first thing. Always.

Cold panic gripped my stomach.

How long had she been standing here, waiting?

‘What the hell are you doing here?’ I demanded. My words echoing the ones Ben had said to me only a few minutes ago.

Bitter irony twisted in my chest. Now I knew how he’d felt, being confronted by someone you despised, someone you blamed for destroying everything you had. Finding them standing on your doorstep, in your space.

The difference was, I knew what Charlotte had done to me. But I still had no idea why Ben thought I’d ever hurt him.

Charlotte didn’t answer. Instead, her gaze slid over me slowly.

For the second time today, I was acutely aware of my dishevelled appearance.

‘Rough night?’ she asked, amusement in her voice.

Unease prickled beneath my skin.

Did she know what I’d done last night? What I’d stolen?

My grip tightened on my laptop and notepad, pulling them closer to my chest.

‘I know what you’ve been up to,’ Charlotte said, stepping forward.

I swallowed. ‘What are you talking about?’ My other hand slipped into my pocket, my fingers closing around my car keys, my brain already planning my escape.

‘Stalking me on social media?’ She tutted. ‘That’s desperate. Even for you.’

My stomach dropped.

‘Yeah, Ryan told me.’ Her lips curved. ‘He tells me everything.’