Take Two (The Jilted Bride #1)(38)

“However, I’ve finally accepted that I did not deserve to be left at the altar. I did not deserve to be cheated on, and I did not deserve to have the past six years of my life ripped away in six seconds.

“I’m by no means perfect—I procrastinate on most assignments, I never pay my bills on time, and I have a tendency to use all the dishes in my cabinet before opening the dishwasher.

“But do any of these traits make me a horrible person? Do they make me any less worthy of marrying than the next woman?

“I don’t think so.

“Next time you watch a romantic comedy where the groom leaves his fiancé at the altar, remember that not everyone in that movie gets the happy ending.

“Remember that the woman standing in the background is the one who will have to pick up all the pieces.

“Your friend forever, “Melody Carter.”

I read the sentence about the “handsome guy” and “soul searing kiss” over and over and laughed.

I sent Joan on a two day investigation mission and as usual, she delivered. I was sitting across the street from a large stone apartment complex, waiting for someone to leave.

In two hours I’d eaten two bags of chips, a cheesesteak sub, and a box of Oreo cookies. I was beginning to believe that no one lived in that building until I saw a woman approaching the door.

I jumped out of the car and rushed over. “Excuse me, Miss? Can I ask you for a favor?”

“I don’t have any money,” she fiddled with her keys. “Try the people on the Upper East Side.”

“I’m not asking for money ma’am,” I stepped in front of the door.

“Matt Sterling?”

Damn. I thought the baseball cap and shades would be enough today…

“Umm no. Well yes,” I took off my shades. “I need a huge favor.”

I paced the eighteenth floor landing for at least twenty minutes. When I finally got a hold of myself, I knocked on the door. There was no answer. I knocked again.

“I’m coming! Give me a second!” Melody’s voice cried out.

She swung the door open. “Yes? How may I—what are you doing here?”

“Returning this,” I handed her a business card.

“My realtor’s card? Um thanks? I bought the apartment so I don’t think I need that anymore.”

“You dropped it the day you ran away from me. You’re lucky some stranger didn’t pick it up and track you down.”

Her eyes widened and she took a step back.

That’s right. You’re not getting away from me today.

I sensed she wasn’t going to initiate things. “You know, I could sue you.”

“For what?”

“For libel. For mentioning me in your article the other day.”

“Libel? I never said your name. Besides, how do you know I was referring to you?”

“I don’t. Are you going to invite me in? Isn’t that a courtesy when someone returns something that belongs to you?”

Invite me in!

She blushed. “Sure. You have to leave in five minutes though.”

“And why is that?”

She didn’t answer my question. She just held the door open and let me inside.

Her apartment was different from what I’d imagined. It was airy and spacious. Everything was white. Large windows encompassed the far wall, and a freshly painted fire place sat in the corner.

I noticed there was no furniture in the room, only tons of unopened boxes.

“Would you like some water?” she asked.

Before I could answer, she disappeared. She came back seconds later wearing a different shirt. She avoided my eyes and handed me a bottle of water.

“Thank you. This is a really nice place. I had no idea movie critics did so well for themselves.”

“More like people who return their really expensive engagement rings,” she sighed. “Most movie critics live modestly.”

“I see…Is there a reason you keep running from me?”

“Running from you? What do you mean?”

“Every time I’ve tried to talk to you, ask you out, and more recently kiss you, you run away. Just so you know, I don’t give up easily.”

Her jaw dropped and she turned away in an attempt to hide it. I wasn’t going to say another word. It was her turn.

“You’re getting married,” she finally looked at me.

God, not this again! Just tell her!

“What are you doing tomorrow night?”

“Writing more than likely.”

“Can I come back over around eight?” I glanced at my watch. “You know, since you said I only have five minutes with you tonight?”

I took the blushing and silence to be a yes.

“It looks like you’re still unpacking things,” I walked over to the door. “Can you take out all your pots and pans before tomorrow night? Maybe we could make—”

“I only have two.”

“What? Why don’t you—”

“I don’t cook.”

“Oh. I guess I’ll bring my things over then. I’ll cook for you.”

She tucked her lips in to avoid smiling. I wanted to push her against the door and kiss her, but I held back.