“There was...blood, and I was worried that I'd hurt you. I wasn’t exactly careful when I…” He trailed off.
I felt humiliated when I thought about the blood. I hadn't noticed it, but I had been pretty freaked out that night. The physical hurt was really the least of my worries, but he'd probably not understand. And I definitely didn't want to talk to him about the blood.
“Nora, is everything alright?”
I jumped slightly and turned my head to find Dad standing several yards away and watching us suspiciously. Well, he was glowering at Adrian. I didn't think he'd overheard our conversation, or Adrian wouldn't be standing next to me anymore. I could have hugged Dad right then for saving me from a very embarrassing answer. I needed time to think about everything, and I couldn't do that with Adrian around.
“Yes,” I said as I walked over to him. I didn't look if Adrian was following me. If he was clever, he wouldn't. Dad was already glaring in his direction.
He led me back into the house and I didn't leave his and Mom’s side as we stood near the huge buffet that the Millers had prepared. With my parents around, Chris wouldn't bother me, and Adrian would hopefully keep his distance as well. I took a plate and filled it with a few grilled vegetable skewers, though I wasn't very hungry, but it would keep me busy. I grabbed one of the skewers and brought it to my lips when Chris appeared in front of me. I couldn't help but scowl, but like usually he didn't notice. My parents had disappeared without my notice and now I was trapped with Chris.
“Nora, I've already wondered where you've gone,” he said with a flirtatious smile. He’d gained a few pounds since I’d last seen him, but at least his complexion had cleared. I’d forgotten how small he was in comparison to Adrian. Chris was only about one inch taller than me. “Did you get my messages?”
It wasn't clever of him to speak to me while I was armed with skewers. They might end up somewhere in his body. “Yes. I’ve been really busy in New York.”
I forgot my annoyance when I caught sight of Adrian at the other end of the room. He was talking to Rachel and Ben. I’d always thought Ben was tall and breath-taking, but he didn’t even come close to Adrian. I pushed an entire mushroom into my mouth in frustration. Adrian’s eyes were focused on Chris's back, glaring daggers at him. If looks could kill...
Was he jealous? But why? I had to hide a smug smile behind the vegetable skewer and took another bite of it. I didn't hear a word that Chris was saying, but I gave a nod when I thought it was appropriate and smiled now and then. Adrian's expression darkened further. I was starting to enjoy the situation. Let him suffer a bit, though I still couldn't explain why he was reacting the way he did.
I managed to avoid him all evening but on our way out, Mom and Dad were saying goodbye to the Millers and Rachel intercepted me before I could step outside and head for the car. She handed me a slip of paper. “That’s my number and my address in New York. Let’s meet for coffee. I miss our friendship.”
“I miss it too,” I admitted. “I miss you.” I loved spending time with Amy, but Rachel and I had grown up together. We shared so many memories. I wanted her in my life again.
Rachel hugged me tightly. Adrian used that moment to appear in front of me. Rachel stepped back and glanced between him and me, then she left with an encouraging smile in my direction. She punched Adrian’s arm when she walked past him. He rubbed the spot, but never took his eyes off me. He stepped very close, so close that I could smell his aftershave, and could feel his breath on my ear. “I’m sorry for last night. Let me make it up to you.”
He drew back, meeting my wide-eyed stare. I was speechless.
“Nora?” my mother said from the doorway. Dad was already heading for the car. Mom was waiting for me and watching Adrian and me with a piercing look. Oh fuck.
I tore my eyes away from Adrian and followed my mother toward the Toyota without another word. Adrian’s eyes were following me until we drove off and disappeared behind the trees. He’d looked determined.
Let me make it up to you. What the hell did that even mean?
Chapter Nineteen
Bruno and the two Bearded Collies greeted me when I stepped into the house. I turned on the lights and bent down to pat their furry heads. Bruno wagged his stumpy tail and jumped up and down excitedly. His joy made me smile and some of the anger, frustration and confusion toward Adrian – and myself – disappeared. Mom entered the hall after me. Dad had only dropped us off in front of the house and then driven off toward a horse that was having trouble giving birth. That was the problem with being a vet: you never really had a free day if you didn’t want to lose your loyal customers, especially customers with expensive breeding horses.