Page 36 of Axel

“Did you spend the night with her?”

His eyes bored into hers, but she did not flinch.

“That’s none of your business.”

“Then that’s a yes. And here you are dancing with your sister, instead of going over and letting Tom know that she is taken.”

“She is not. At least, not by me.”

His curt tone should have warned her that the topic was not up for discussion, but Cathy was determined see him find happiness. She had seen the way he looked at Ellie and was pretty sure it was more than just attraction there. The chemistry between them was evident, even from a distance.

“Tom is monopolizing her.”

“Obviously, she wants to be monopolized by him. It’s none of my business.”

“You are just going to ignore her for the rest of the night?” She persisted, ignoring his infuriating look.

“Precisely. I am going to take my leave right after this song is finished and go back to my place.”

“Mom will never forgive you.” She protested. “You are the guest of honor.”

“I have already said my piece and the mayor had his crowning moment, there is nothing else for me to do here.”

“Except claim a dance or two with Ellie.”

The song had ended, but she held his arms to stop him from marching off.

Leaning down so that his eyes were on level with hers, he murmured. “Mind your own business.” Tempering the words, he kissed her cheek. “Go and enjoy that boyfriend of yours and stay out of my affairs.”

Before she could respond, he was already striding away. Suppressing the urge to go after him, she watched as he walked over to their mother and whispered something to him.

With a heartfelt sigh, she turned away to go and find Gregory.

Ellie could not believe he had not even greeted her. She had been telling herself that it was fine that he had not called her after the time they had spent together and had gone about doing her work, but it stung. And she was furious with herself for caring. He was obviously a prick. She would do well just ignoring him.

Take a page out of his playbook and pretend as if what they had shared last night meant nothing to her. She had arrived at the bonfire after dressing carefully, expecting him to even walk over and say hello, but that had been expecting too much from a man like him.

Tom as well as several other males had been vying for her attention the entire night and she had forced herself to respond to them, all the while acutely aware of him surrounded by almost all the single women in town.

No doubt he was getting off on the attention. Now he was leaving and had not even had the decency to come over and acknowledge her. Well to hell with him! She certainly did not need this – she did not need him.

She would enjoy the night and flirt with Tom as she tried to forget what a prick he was. Even though her heart was aching, and the evening had been spoiled for her.

Forcing a smile on her lips, she turned her attention to what Tom was saying to her.

*****

Parking in the usual spot right in front of the flowering hibiscus bush, she sat behind the wheel and stared out at the encroachingdarkness. She had spent twenty minutes after he left trying to enjoy the activities but had decided to come back to the cottage. She was going to try and get some work done and do her best not to think about him.

He wasn’t worth a second of her time.

Pushing her door open, she stepped out just as the shadow loomed in front of her. Cutting off a scream, she watched as the object of her misery bridged the distance between them.

“It’s about time.” His deep voice sent shivers up and down her spine, but she chose to ignore it as well as the pleasure she felt at his unexpected appearance.

“What are you doing here?” Making a production out of closing the car door and tugging on the sides of her jacket, she used the opportunity to wipe her expression clean.

“That should be obvious.”