Page 29 of How to Break My Heart 1

My phone begins to buzz inside my pocket. As I walk through the double glass doors to go answer it, Everleigh is walking toward me, eyes focused on her phone, oblivious to our imminent collision.

Quickly, I reach out, grabbing both her arms to stop us from crashing into one another. She jolts at my touch, eyes wide with fear until her gaze meets mine.

“Fu… I mean, you scared me,” she heaves, placing her hand on her chest. “It’s nice to see you again, Aston.”

She’s avoided me all afternoon, and if memory prevails, our past has something to do with it. Women are the worst grudge-holders.

“It’s been a while,” I state simply, holding her gaze.

My stare appears to bother her, as she’s quick to pretend to look over my shoulder. The sadistic side of me finds this entertaining. A beautiful woman who once kissed me and almost allowed me to take her virginity can’t stand to be in the same space as me.

Cocking my head to the side, I question, “When was the last time we saw each other?”

She scratches the back of her neck, then folds her arms across her chest. “I’m sure you remember. No need for a trip down memory lane,” she states matter-of-factly. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have people to mingle with.”

The smell of her perfume, sweet and seductive, floods my memories, reminding me of the taste of her lips. They were soft and sweet and utterly addictive. It drove me fucking crazy. I was just eighteen, but not a stranger to making out with girls. Hell, I’d fucked a few by senior year as well.

Yet nothing, or no one, had ever tasted like her.

I was angry at the world, desperate to escape my father’s dictatorship and run away with my own dreams. It fueled the fire burning inside of me as we kissed, and Everleigh’s words echoed in my head.

You have everything going for you. You’re smart, a straight-A student without even trying. Coach loves you. Your athletic ability is the best the school has seen. I mean, I’m not one to watch lacrosse, but so I’ve heard. Not to mention, you’re pretty. So tell me, why on earth do you think your father should dictate your life?

For the first time, someone saw me for who I truly was. My anger and resentment got in the way of any chance I had of freedom. It changed the way I behaved, the way I saw the future. I had to succeed despite my father forcing this path upon me.

As Everleigh turns to walk past, I grab her arm to stop her, suddenly aware she’s fucked with my head.

I’m quick to spout out, “Who was the guy at the bar?”

“Excuse me?”

I narrow my gaze, voice dropping to an icy edge. “The guy at the bar.” I repeat each word in a controlled command that leaves no room for questioning.

“He’s just… wait a minute.” She shakes her arm out of my tight grip. “I haven’t seen you in eight years, and the first thing you want to ask me is, ‘Who was the guy at the bar?’?”

A huff slips out as I recall how, even back in high school, she couldn’t resist stirring up drama, always needing the last word and acting like she knew everything. My sister was the only one who could tolerate her. “I guess you haven’t changed.”

“Actually, I have changed,” she answers defensively while rapidly blinking. “I’mnotsixteen anymore, and I’mnotmaking stupid decisions. So, I don’t know whatyourproblem is, but I’m here for one reason only…Maddy.”

“And I’m here for my sister, too.”

“Yeah, right. You don’t care about anyone but yourself,” she retorts.

“Ouch.” I place my hand on my chest with a smirk. “How ironic that you believe you know me, Ms. Woods.”

Everleigh refuses to back down. “I know you, Aston Beaumont. You’re the billionaire who gets off on controlling theboardroom, then blows off steam, bringing home whatever woman will bend over for you. Your type is exactly who I stay away from. So, if you’ll excuse me, I have a wedding to help plan and would appreciate it if you just tell Maddy you’re too busy to help me. That way, you’re doing us both a favor.”

And with her cheeks crimson, she walks away from me and back into the room.

It would be easy to tell my sister something urgent needs my attention back in the city, and it would be just as easy to ignore my father’s reprimanding behavior. Yet, something urges me to stay.Why should I give Everleigh Woods what she wants?

After all, I enjoy watching her writhe in my presence.

“Not all princesses get their happily ever after, sweetheart,” I mumble under my breath.

And I sure as hell amnota knight in shining armor.

CHAPTER 8