The Last Husband (Forever Love #2)(16)
Author: J.S. Cooper

“I had my rules, Leeza, you know that.”

“Yeah, but you dropped that pretty quickly once a man came along.”

“No, I didn’t. And he wasn’t the first guy who tried to get with me.” I was angry now.

“I’m just saying be careful.” She paused. “I was thinking that maybe I could come visit you. Make sure he’s not a stalker.”

“He’s not a stalker, Leeza!” I sighed. “And when did you want to come?”

“Next weekend?” Her voice was hopeful.

“I’ll let you know.” And then I hung up, not caring that I was being rude.

My head was spinning and I knew that I needed to sit down and think about everything. I felt like I was lost in a maze of people I didn’t know and everything I thought I knew about was wrong. I was angry and upset, and if I was honest, I was a little bit scared. What else had Zane lied to me about?

***

We ate the apple pie in silence. There was a cold air between Leo and Zane, and I was also giving Zane the silent treatment. I wanted very badly to ask him why he hadn’t told me he had arranged to have me at the party. I wasn’t even that mad. In a way, it was endearing, and I felt a warm glow. He’d had his eyes on me, just like I’d had my eyes on him. However, I kept my mouth shut because I didn’t want to bring Leo into our drama.

I could see Zane’s surreptitious glances and I just avoided all eye contact with him. I felt like I was in a spy movie or something—only I was the oddball that didn’t realize that she was in it. I had no clue what was going on anymore and I was annoyed. Really annoyed. I liked being in control and knowing exactly what was going on. Zane had my head spinning.

“This is delicious, Lucky. Thank you.” Leo smiled at me and I smiled back at him.

“Thanks to Sara Lee.”

“Well thank you, Sara Lee.” Leo licked his lips and dropped his spoon back down into his bowl. “That was really good.”

“I’m sorry that nothing was homemade.” I frowned.

“The salad was to-die-for.” Leo made some noises that reminded me of sex, and I blushed.

“Really, Leo?” Zane muttered at him.

“He’s just showing me that he liked the pie,” I snapped at Zane. “At least he can express his feelings.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Zane looked at me with a question in his clouded, blue eyes. “I don’t tell you how I feel enough?”

I remained mute and looked away from him. I didn’t want to start an argument with him in front of Leo. I wasn’t that angry. And it wasn’t even about expressing feelings.

“Do you want me to sing you a love song in front of Leo, Lucky? So he knows how I feel?”

“No.” My face burned with humiliation.

“How’s about some Frank Sinatra?” He cleared his throat. “Let me see, I could sing ‘Lady Luck’ or … wait, ‘Strangers in the Night.’”

“You’re an ass.” I glared at him.

“You’re a woman.”

“Excuse me?” I jumped up. “What does that mean?”

“You’re so moody. I don’t even know what your problem is.” He glared back at me.

“You stalked me!” I spat out.

“Here we go again,” he sighed. “I have no idea what you’re talking about. I’m sorry to burst your bubble, but I’ve never stalked you, Lucky.”

“I know about the party and Evan.” I stared him down, and if it wasn’t for the slightest flinch, I would have thought I was wrong. Zane looked at me calmly and didn’t say a word.

“Hey, guys, I think that is my invitation to leave.” Leo jumped up and walked over to me and gave me a hug. “It was great meeting you. Thank you for a lovely dinner, and maybe we can hang out again soon?”

“Thanks.” I smiled at him weakly, slightly embarrassed. “And sure.”

“Awesome.” He kissed my cheek and then turned to Zane. “Remember what I said, man.”

“I’ll call you tomorrow.” Zane spoke to him, but his eyes never left mine.

“Bye, guys.” Leo walked to the front door and let himself out. I heard the door close behind him, but still we both remained silent.

“That was rude of you.” I couldn’t help myself. “You should have seen Leo to the door.”

“He’ll live.” Zane didn’t blink.

“Typical response.” I rolled my eyes. “What do you have to say about the fact that you were stalking me?”

“I didn’t stalk you,” Zane sighed and I watched as he swallowed.

“Explain it to me then. I’m extremely curious.” My cheeks were heated and I stood there staring at him with wide eyes. Tears were threatening to fall and I wanted to turn away from him, because I didn’t want him to see how he had affected me.

“Lucky, I …” He sighed again and stood up and walked over to me. He made a gesture to bring me into his arms and I pushed him away.

“No.”

“I don’t understand why you’re mad at me.” He pursed his lips.

“Because you’re a creeper!” I shouted at him and his eyes darkened. “Are you going to explain to me what happened or not?”

“I didn’t stalk you.” He sighed. “I was hanging out with some friends and your roommate was there.”

“Are you sure you didn’t plan that?”

“I didn’t even know she was your roommate.” He looked at me pleadingly. “But she made some comment about having a roommate named Lucky who worked in a diner, and I figured out that it was you. She said she didn’t think you’d go to the party. And I wanted you to go.”

“I see.” I continued frowning at him, but I was starting to relax inside.

“So I asked Evan to convince her to invite you and bring you to the party.”

“How did you know Evan could convince her?”

“He has powers of persuasion.” He laughed.

I shook my head. “So what was in it for Evan?”

“An audition for a movie if you made it to the party.” He smiled.

“I did wonder why Evan didn’t seem that interested when Leeza dragged me up there.” I frowned. “But you never said much to me. Not really.”

“Evan texted me when you got to the room, but two things happened.” Zane sighed. “Angelique wouldn’t leave my side, and you ended up talking to Braydon.”