Total pages in book: 44
Estimated words: 41351 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 207(@200wpm)___ 165(@250wpm)___ 138(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 41351 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 207(@200wpm)___ 165(@250wpm)___ 138(@300wpm)
Riley was slightly uncomfortable with the glare her friend was shooting her way and Elliot wanting to take her out again. He was a nice guy, good looking, funny and sweet but she still had too many unresolved issues that she had to deal with before getting involved with anyone else. And her biggest issue was Ethan. She didn’t want to embarrass him by letting him down in front of Megan.
“How about I call you tonight and we’ll talk.”
He nodded slowly. “Sure. I’ll count on it.”
“So Elliot, Jackson said you were dating the actress from your commercials. What happened to her?” Megan asked pointedly.
He shrugged. “We went out a few times but it wasn’t anything serious.”
“It never is with you, is it?”
“Megan!” Riley was shocked by her friend’s open hostility. Megan was one of the sweetest people she knew. It was not like her to be flat out rude to anyone.
Elliot however didn’t seem to take offense. He chuckled. “You’ve got me pegged, cousin-to-be. But even I know a good thing when I see it.” Although he spoke to Megan, he looked in Riley’s direction on the last part of his statement.
Before Megan could make any more offensive remarks, a waitress approached their table with a to-go bag. “Here’s your order Mr. Chambers, you can pay at the bar.”
“Thank you.” He smiled at the server. “Well ladies it was a pleasure. Looking forward to hearing from you Riley.”
“Bye Elliot.”
“Mmm,” Megan practically grunted.
When Elliot was out of earshot, Riley turned to her friend. “What the hell was that all about? One second you’re asking the guy to join us and the next, you act like a rude beyotch. What the hell?”
Megan glared at her. “You seriously have to ask me that?”
“Yes, I seriously have to ask you that. What gives?”
“How can you be seeing Elliot, one the biggest players in the city and my brother at the same time?”
“Whoa? First of all, I only had coffee with the guy one time. And second, why would you think your brother and I were seeing each other. We’re divorced.”
Megan furrowed her brow. “But I called you and he’d been there. Whether you wanted to admit it or not, I know something happened between the two of you.”
Riley rolled her eyes heavenward and took a couple calming breaths. She didn’t want to have an argument on a day that started out so nicely. “I admit it, Ethan and I had a little slip up but that’s it. It doesn’t mean we’re going to get back together or that we’re even dating. And even if I was interested in Elliot in a romantic light, I don’t have to explain myself to anyone.”
Megan pushed away from the table. “Excuse me.”
Riley opened her mouth to call her back but Megan walked away without a backward glance. Even though Riley had over half her sandwich left, her appetite was gone. Megan’s reaction seemed a bit extreme and she couldn’t figure out why.
After five minutes she was wondering if her friend was coming back, so Riley got their waiter’s attention and asked for the check. Just as she was signing the credit card slip, Megan returned to the table. Her eyes were red and swollen like she’d been crying. Even though Riley had done nothing wrong, she somehow felt guilty.
“Megan—”
“No, Riley. Don’t say anything. Not without me first apologizing. You’re right. I was out of line. You don’t owe me an explanation and I was unforgivably rude to Elliot. I’ll call him later to apologize. I’ve been so darn emotional lately. Planning a wedding is a stressful endeavor.”
“I bet. But there’s no need to apologize.”
“But there is. I was way out of line. I was projecting my wishes on to you and instead I came off as a beyotch like you said. All I’ll say about Elliot is be careful. He is a nice guy but he gets bored with women easily. Since I’ve known him, I’ve seen him with at least four different women, and I haven’t known him long.”
“I’m a big girl. I can handle Elliot although the most that will come out of a relationship with us is friendship.”
“Because you still have feelings for Ethan, don’t you?”
“Megan, don’t start.”
“I haven’t mentioned his name all day but now that the proverbial cat is out of the bag, I know the two of you still have feelings for each other. And maybe I’m selfish for wanting the two of you to get back together but most women aren’t hard wired to have casual sex with just anyone and walk away emotionally unscathed.”
Riley snorted. “There are plenty of women who can separate sex from emotions.”
“But you’re not one of them. He’s my brother and you’re my best friend. I love you both but if you keep playing with fire one of you is bound to get burned. I don’t want to see either one of you get hurt again.”