“You can be angry with me; I’ll take it. But don’t you dare take your anger out on Ally. I was only suggesting that you dance with her. I’m sorry you don’t see it my way when it comes to us,” Stevie explained, ignoring the heat that spread through her heart.
Rob moved his gaze to Ally, and his shoulders slumped. “Shit!” he cursed and returned to Ally. “I’m sorry, Ally. I didn’t…shit! I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I didn’t mean to treat you like that.”
“Oh, no. Don’t be. I’m sorry. I’ve made things a little awkward here. I’ll just go.” She gave them both a smile and wandered over to her brother’s table.
“You’re clueless,” Stevie pointed out and shook her head.
“I’m clueless?” Rob asked, offended.
Stevie nodded her head at him.
“No, the only clueless one here is you! Forget it. You want me to go back to Jewel then fine! Whatever. We’re done here.” Rob stormed out of the ballroom and countless pairs of eyes trained on her. She should feel triumphant, but she didn’t. He was the first man she had let past her walls in a long time, and it was bittersweet.
“What was that?” she heard Jarred ask.
Stevie shrugged then faced him. “That was Rob being set free,” she stated, and before she could refuse, Jarred had wrapped his arms around her. She chanted to herself not to cry. She told her stupid brain to forget Robert Moors and to let him be free. It wasn’t right. It never was. Not with him. She wasn’t meant to move on with her life with him. He wasn’t the one she was meant to marry and grow old with. He was a Moors. She’d have someone someday. She just had to ensure it wouldn’t be Rob because she wouldn’t make him settle for second best.
“I’m okay, Jarred,” she said and pulled away.
“You sure? I know he’s the first guy since…London.” His voice was a low whisper when he’d said ‘London.’
Stevie looked away and caught sight of Julian next to Alex, laughing. He looked at peace with his life. He said he had searched for her, but she was happy he hadn’t found her. From what Rob said, Julian had become successful in life. She hadn’t. And London was one of her shameful secrets.
“I was stupid in London. Just don’t bring it up because I can’t remember it. I won’t be okay this time. Leave him in the past,” she softly begged. She never wanted to return to London. Never. But she had promised she would for him.
“Just know that I won’t let you go back,” Jarred promised, and Stevie smiled.
“I know you won’t. London changed us both. I’m sorry about back then.” She would never stop apologising. She saw a side of Jarred she had never known. She had taken a step too far, and she’d almost lost her sanity. That was when she knew her life was spinning out of control. “I’m going to get my cue cards for the toasts. I’ll be back.” She excused herself with a tight smile.
Scanning the room, she noticed Noel and Clara talking to some guests, their backs towards her. Stevie knew it was the perfect time to slip away and have a moment to herself. To find her equilibrium. When she woke up this morning, she had never expected her day to turn out the way it had. She’d hoped she could have outrun her past just long enough to where it no longer mattered. But she hadn’t been fast enough.
Stevie slipped out of the wedding reception and into the hallway. She didn’t need her cue cards; it had just been an excuse for her to escape. She was one to flight never to fight. Not even in London did she fight. She just kept running. Always running.
Walking towards Clara’s bridal suite, Stevie paused for a second unable to shake off the uncomfortable feeling that engulfed her. She shook her head, knowing she was being paranoid, and continued to the door.
Then she felt a tap on her shoulder and she halted. Stevie swallowed hard. No one would tap her shoulder like what she just felt. Her chest rose and fell with each heavy breath of air she took. She tried to will her legs to make a movement, but she knew her heart was against her head.
Fingertips ran along the curve of her neck, and she let out an involuntary sigh and shut her eyes. A touch that seared her