Crazy in Love (Blue Lake #3)(33)

Cole moved his hand up her back, until his fingers brushed her hair. She wanted to lay her head back in his hand and expose her neck so he’d kiss her there again. What she wouldn’t give to—

“Your friend is nice,” he said, cutting her thoughts short.

“Joey?”

“No, Lucy. She’s great.”

He leaned down so that his head rested beside hers. His chest ballooned slightly, as if he’d breathed in the smell of her hair. She must’ve been mistaken.

“She looks like she knows how to have a good time,” he went on.

Rachael barely resisted the urge to jerk out of his arms. “She sure does.”

As they spun, his attention shifted to Lucy, who was pouring a second glass of wine. He was totally checking her out. Of course. Why wouldn’t he? Lucy was bubbly and petite. Full of energy and one hell of a good time. She’d be exactly the type of girl who’d fit into Cole’s lifestyle: lots of fun, low pressure. She wasn’t looking for anything serious with anyone in particular, and Cole Turner was her dream guy.

“This may strike you as an odd question,” Cole whispered, his deep voice buzzing in her ear, “but do you know if she’s single?”

Line totally crossed.

“Know what? I have to go.” As something snapped in Rachael’s middle, she stepped out of his arms. “Is it all right if I have the limo take me back?”

“Yes, but—“

“Will you and Lucy have another way to get to the concert?”

Even now, when she wanted to be selfish, when she wanted to take the limo and leave them up here to figure out their own way back, she had to make sure they wouldn’t be put out.

“I can have Rita send another car,” he said, “but you don’t have to go.”

“Yes,” she said, tears stinging her throat. “I really do.” The anxiety in her stomach balled into one giant knot as Lucy’s gaze shot her way. “Sweetie,” she said to her friend, “I hope you have the best time of your life tonight. But I’m going to head home.”

“What’s the matter?” Lucy’s face puzzled in concern. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah, everything’s fine.” Don’t look at him. Just don’t look at him. “I’m just not feeling up to tonight. I hope you have an amazing time at the concert, and I can’t wait to hear all about it.”

Frantic to get away from the two of them, Rachael bent over the top rung of the ladder and lowered herself down.

“Rachael, wait,” Cole said, striding to the edge. “I was hoping you’d stay for the concert.”

“Sorry.” She descended faster still, her hands and feet flying down the rungs. “Can’t stay. Have fun, you two!”

“Rachael, I think you’ve—“

In her mad dash, Rachael’s foot slipped off the step. She swung toward the ladder, her face swinging dangerously close to the wood. She screeched, and dropped her hand to the next rung, but missed that too. Her grip slipped, and she fell to the ground, landing on her knees before slamming onto her backside.

“Rachael!” Cole bent over the side. “Are you hurt?”

Pride, yes. Body, not so much.

“I’m fine.” She pulled herself off the ground and checked the damage. No holes in her jeans, but her knees were scraped underneath, and her hands were raw and red. Skinned.

“Rachael!” Lucy gasped, joining Cole at the ladder. “What happened? Are you okay?”