Page 209 of Bridesmaid By Chance
Did I just say that?
God, why did I say that?
“Nothing,” I say, shaking my head as a wave of nausea hits me all at the same time. “Just, just let me go.”
“Sloane—”
“Let me go, Hudson, or I’m going to start screaming.”
He slides his hand off me but leans into my ear and says, “We’re not done talking about this.”
Oh, yes we are.
“I’m so sorry,” I say to Sheridan.
“Oh my gosh, don’t apologize. I totally understand. This corset is cutting into me as well.”
I smile, trying to keep my head above water and save face, even though I’m mentally and internally crumbling. “Thank you. I’m so happy for you, and please, keep in touch.”
“Oh, this is not goodbye. This is see you later. After all, you’ll be visiting the Mayfair Club.”
If only she knew.
“That’s so true. Pencil me in for another afternoon tea.”
“You can count on it.” She kisses me on the cheek, and then witha wave, I take off and head out of the ballroom, down the hall, and straight out the entrance of the building where a doorman flags down a cab for me.
“Hold up,” I hear Hudson call out just as I step inside the cab.
Damn it.
“That’s my wife,” he says as he grabs the taxi door.
The doorman leans in and says, “Do you know this man?”
I glance at Hudson, and I’m so tempted to say no, but that will solve absolutely nothing other than make the situation worse, so I nod, and the doorman allows Hudson to join me.
Hudson gives the driver our address and sits back in the seat and rests his hand on my thigh.
We must look ridiculous in our wedding garb; then again, not sure how out of the ordinary it is. I wonder how many people have United Kingdom weddings, seeking out theirBridgertondreams.
I don’t say anything because what is there really to say? I thoroughly embarrassed myself in the ballroom, shocked the hell out of the man next to me, then bolted. Remember way back when Hudson said I wasn’t mature enough to handle the situation we are currently in? I’m finding that to be incredibly true at the moment. This relationship with Hudson, it became too much. Feelings got involved. Emotions have been tangled and twisted. And now I just feel lost. I feel unsure. I feel like the man who was once by my side and who I connected with is a distant memory. All I want to do is climb into my most comfy sweatshirt, hold on to my childhood teddy bear, and wish all of this out of my life.
Our hotel isn’t far from the club, and when we arrive, Hudson pays by card, then helps me out of the cab by taking my hand. Continuing to hold it, we make our way to the elevator, then ride in silence, him still holding my hand the entire time.
When we reach our room, he lets go of me to open the door with a key card. Once in the room, I book it straight to the bathroom, where Istart undressing, because I don’t want to be in this garment any longer than I need to be.
I feel his presence before I see him. And when I turn to face him, I find him leaning against the bathroom door, arms crossed, no longer wearing his suit jacket or ascot. Just his dress shirt, untucked and unbuttoned.
Knowing I need his help, I say, “Can you undo this corset for me?”
He pushes off the doorway, walks up behind me without a word, and starts undoing the strings. With every tug, the corset gives until it’s fully undone. I keep it close to my chest, though, and move away from him and toward the closet, where I quickly change into a pair of leggings and a loose-fitting top. Then I grab my suitcase and place it on the ground, opening it so I can shove everything I need inside.
“What are you doing?” His gruff voice sounds out through the small space of the closet.
“I can’t stay here tonight,” I say. “I need to leave.” I shove what I can in the suitcase and head into the bathroom, where I start gathering my toiletries, tears brimming, ready to fall over because I feel so incredibly embarrassed. So hurt. So out of my own body that I want to be alone.
He doesn’t stop me; instead, he watches me pack, his eyes tracking my every movement. I feel like I’m the main event, the way he watches over me. It makes me uncomfortable and very aware of everything I’m doing.
