Page 53 of Never Been Matched
I nod, and then he disappears down the hallway.
I can’t believe we kissed. I can’t believe my sister interrupted us. Did she see anything?
It would have been hard to miss through the glass door. It’s been so long since I’ve been kissed like that, like all that mattered was his mouth and mine and disappearing inside each other. Who am I kidding? I’ve never been kissed like that.
God, he was good. How long until we can do that again? Or will he have regrets?
His door closes, and I pull myself together. I’ll think about all that later. Now, it’s time to face Audrey.
“Why are you here?” I ask again.
She shuffles closer to me in her pointy heels. “Oh, Vivi, I had to come make sure you’re okay.”
“Where’s mother?”
“Still in LA. She couldn’t travel because she’s still recovering from her facelift. But she is worried, and she insisted I come and see for myself that you’re all right.”
I almost laugh. “I am sure she is very worried.” About gaining control over me and my life.
She steps closer. “You haven’t been answering any of our calls.”
Time for a subject change. “How did you get here?”
She shrugs. “I drove.”
“You can drive?” The last time I was in LA, she relied on Mother to get anywhere. She always said she didn’t want to drive, but I could never figure out if those were her words or if she was parroting Mother’s preferences. Mom loves being in control of . . . anyone and everyone. Especially her kids.
Audrey straightens. “Yes, I can drive. I flew into Boston and rented a car.”
Okay, that’s surprising. Almost as surprising as the fact that she tracked me down here and actually expended effort without hiring someone else to do the dirty work.
“Where are you staying?” There aren’t any fine hotels and resorts in Surrender. Only the inn, which is definitely not up to her standards.
She bites her lip. “Can’t I stay with you? Where are you staying?”
My response is automatic. “No. Absolutely not.”
She frowns. “Why not? Where else should I go?”
I sigh. I wish I were heartless enough to throw her out and make her sleep in the car. I’m sure she got the nicest vehicle available. “I’m staying here, temporarily. There’s a guest suite upstairs, and there’s only one room, so you have to sleep on the sofa bed.”
“That’s fine.” Her words come out quickly. Too quickly.
My gut churns. They are up to something. This is only the first volley, sending in Audrey. Mother will inevitably be coming next. I thought I would have more time. I don’t have the inheritance yet. She’s going to find a way to sink her claws into it and make it about herself, just like she’s done with every other part of my life.
And now Audrey may have witnessed me making out with the attorney.
Can they use that to cause problems?
I have to keep away from him as much as possible from here on out. Business only. And none of it within earshot of Audrey.
The thought of distancing myself from Spencer sets off an uncomfortable twinge in my chest.
I spin toward the stairs. “Come on. I’ll show you. Do you have a bag?”
“Yes.” She peers down the hall. “Can that man go get it for me?”
“That man is Spencer, and he’s not a bellboy. He’s a lawyer.”
