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“Because Ethan didn’t die! He humiliated her and destroyed the life she loved. She’s not grieving like Scarlett was. She’s mad. She needed to get even, to take control.”

“And you were only too happy to be of help.” His voice drips with sarcasm. “So eager to get one up on Ethan.”

I shake my head. “It has nothing to do with him. I just… It’s Amelia.”

The look changes in Luke’s eyes, like he’s just had a revelation. His mouth twists with pity. “Careful, Blake. Once you’ve gotten a taste of a Davis girl, it’s hard to let go.”

I look down at the floor, needing the privacy that his accusing eyes deny, trying not to think about the past. “I know.”

Luke leaves, and I take my time as I finish getting dressed. I don’t want to run into any of them.

Luke’s words leave a lump in my throat that I can’t shake. It wants to bring up memories I’ve long buried, emotions long repressed.

I check my phone.

Amelia sent me a message.

The meeting went well. I’d love to tell you all about it… and finish what we started.

There’s a winky face at the end, but none of it is enough to loosen the knot in my stomach. And for the first time since I started this with Amelia, I hesitate, the sudden fear choking me more painfully than Luke ever could.

Chapter Eighteen

Amelia

I reread the same sentence for the third time, but it doesn’t register any better than the first time. It could be the dry material, but most likely it’s me.

Blake hasn’t answered my text message and my thoughts are whirling.

A week ago, I told Claudia that Blake was a one-night-stand kind of guy. I knew what I was getting myself into. I guess I just thought…

At bare minimum, I assumed that as my friend he would tell me that he wants to stop rather than giving me the silent treatment.

I don’t care. I shouldn’t care.

I mean, of course I care. Rejected. Again.

But I shouldn’t take it personally. I felt so good today. So confident. So free. Nothing’s changed since then. And I’m still desirable. Stewart asked me out not ten hours ago. I try to hold on to that feeling of strength.

If he doesn't answer, I’ll go to the Den. I’ll find Blake. I won’t send another message he can ignore. I’ll tell him face to face that it was fun, but it’s time to stop.

My phone vibrates, causing my heart to leap into my throat.

Blake?

No. It’s a message from Avery.

Are you still up?

Yes, I answer. What’s up?

I’m technically already in bed, but I’m wide awake. And curious.

I’m closing the cafe, can we meet in ten minutes? In the big parking lot?

Avery hates working nights and usually hurries home to her family the moment she closes shop.

Sure. See you soon.