SWNOVELS Miss Belief: Chapter 25
The thought of Teagan half naked under that comforter, her vibrator in her hand, had me frozen to the spot in shock.
Shock rendered me unable to move or speak at first, but once I realized I was only making the awkward situation worse, I grabbed my wallet. After that, I became intent on getting the hell out of here as quickly as possible.
Bang. Bang. Bang. The knock on the door was followed by Phil’s voice.
“Reid, we’re waiting on you. Kiss your girlfriend goodbye and let’s go.”
“I, um, again, I’m sorry.” She appeared absolutely humiliated, and yet here I was, stammering like an idiot. Jesus, get it together and leave instead of staring like a pervert. “Bye.”
Phil was waiting outside of the door with a knowing smirk. “I’m jealous of the reason that took you so long, but come on. Everyone is waiting.”
It wasn’t until I was seated on the bus that I replayed Teagan’s words in my head. What did she mean after this morning in bed when I’d been curled up next to her? Had she been as turned on as I’d been after our accidental morning snuggle? My pulse leaped at the thought she’d wanted to touch herself because she’d been turned on by me.
This thought combined with the psychic’s revelation Teagan might be too shy to make the first move, and suddenly I was anxious to return to her to see if this attraction was mutual. Too bad I was stuck with the group and reliant on the shuttle bus for the day. Otherwise, I’d have been tempted to try returning to the hotel. Then again, I needed some time to figure out what I was going to say. Would I ask her directly or wait to see how she reacted upon seeing me again? I only had a few hours, so I’d best figure it out.
I spent the day playing a mediocre game of golf while drinking beer with the guys. I’d never been one for either of those activities. However, it was better than having to attend a bachelor party at a strip club, so I had to count my blessings. Needless to say, I spent the whole time wondering what Teagan was doing.
After golf, we took the bus to a local bar for a few more rounds and some much-needed air-conditioning since we’d been out in the tropical sun all day. I still hadn’t come up with an idea of what to say to Teagan once I returned. I texted her that we would be running late, and she’d replied that she and Ellen were at the bar having a drink before the rehearsal. I loved the way she made it so easy. No guilt trip. No reprimand. Just the message to take my time and have fun. Then again, perhaps she wasn’t ready to see me yet. Perhaps she was humiliated about this morning. There was only one way to find out.
Unfortunately Teagan seemed to be the only one cool with us guys stopping for drinks. When our bus pulled up to the entrance of the hotel, the bride was standing there along with her mother and a few of her bridesmaids. Every one of them looked pissed off.
“We have the rehearsal in less than an hour, and all of you, you’re drunk,” Jamie screamed at the groom. Meanwhile, Vanessa glared at me as if I’d had something to do with the groom’s choices. But instead of feeling like I had any hell to pay, for once I got to be the guy who waltzed on by without a care in the world.
“Reid, Reid,” the voice from the past called out the moment I hit the lobby.
I forced myself to stop for Vanessa, who was approaching with quick steps in her high heels. She was completely decked out from head to toe, without a blond hair out of place or a smudge in her perfectly applied makeup, and yet I didn’t so much as get a tingle. Instead, I was thinking about freckles, red hair, and a sharp wit.
“What is it?” My tone was curt.
She huffed, confusion splayed on her face, probably because I’d never spoken to her this way. Of course, I’d also never been more ready to dismiss her than I was in this moment.
“We can’t be friendly now?”
I shook my head. “No. I’m realizing we never really were friends.”
Her brown eyes filled with tears. Although it wasn’t my favorite thing to see anyone cry, her tears no longer gave her power over me.
“I was hoping you’d had time to consider my words last night.”
I hadn’t needed to think about it. Not at all. “Yes, and I should’ve said it then, but we aren’t getting back together. Ever.”
Her eyes got big. “But I said I was sorry.”
“And you know what? I forgive you.” Namely because I no longer cared about her enough to hold a grudge. “You weren’t happy. Hell, neither was I. And as much as I hate the way things happened, I’m beginning to realize it was for the best.”
“You can’t truly mean that.”
I pulled away from her outstretched hand which was trying to take mine. “I really do mean it. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m already late.”
“It’s her, isn’t it? How long have you two been together? Were you cheating on me with a side piece in Dubai while I was getting ready to move there?”
My patience started to run thin. “You never had any intention of moving there, and I’ve never cheated on you.”
Her chin lifted. “I don’t believe you.”
I wouldn’t stand here one more moment while she twisted things. “Believe what you want. Frankly, I just don’t care any longer. Now, if you’ll excuse me.”
I didn’t wait for a reply, turning on my heel and walking to the elevators as fast as I could. I had one purpose now. Find Teagan.
I needed to see if this thing between us could possibly be mutual. For once, I wasn’t worried I might still be hung up on my ex and how that might play out with a new romance. Instead, I was thinking of a fresh start. A new beginning with Teagan. Of course, there was the chance she didn’t feel the same, but there was only one way to find out. I’d find her and see where her head was at about this morning.
After a quick shower, I dressed quickly in black trousers and a crisp gray shirt with a tie. I slipped on my loafers and bounded down the stairs with renewed energy. Time to find out how my fake girlfriend really felt.
I entered the lobby of the hotel and walked over to the large promenade where most of the wedding party was gathered for the rehearsal. My eyes scanned the place for a few seconds before falling on Teagan standing outside on a nearby balcony. She was so beautiful with her red hair up, and her cobalt-blue dress clinging to the curves of her incredible body. Then, as if she could sense my gaze, she turned and gave me the type of smile that hit me straight in the gut.
My steps ate up the distance between us. “Hi.” Jesus, was I sweating from a simple greeting? But I realized it was now or never. I’d make the first move and hope I wasn’t reading the situation incorrectly.
“Hi,” she greeted. “How was golf?”
“Good, but I was distracted all day. Can you guess why?”
Her entire face turned pink. “Was it what happened this morning?”
I leaned in, skimming the shell of her ear with my lips, enjoying the way she shivered at the light contact. “Yes. It’s all I could think about all day. Now tell me. How many times did you come?”