Love to Hate Her Read online

  In the middle of the crowded bar, a feeling Nicole could not explain washed over her so suddenly she took a step back to catch a breath. The room shrunk around her, making her feel alone and vulnerable, and very, very small. Nikki suddenly missed eating broccoli, and she missed the symphony and the museums. She missed good food and fine parties, and quiet nights sipping dry white wine by the fire. And, surprisingly enough, she missed Drew. How could she have not seen this before? How?

  “I’ve gotta go,” she said abruptly to Craig, who’s back was turned, doing a shot with Sam and Ryan. None of them saw her slip out. None of them noticed she left until her full shot glasses accumulated on the bar. When Craig finally looked for her, she was long gone. At first, he was heartbroken. After a few days, he was livid.

  After leaving the Banana Boat, Nicole drove up to Sam’s place and packed her things. She left her a note, telling her someday she’d explain, and stayed the night in a Hilton a little further up the Coast. There was no way she could face those three when they came home stinking drunk, and she knew they’d be furious at her for leaving without saying goodbye. Sam she could deal with later. At the moment, she needed some sleep for the long drive home.

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  Two hours later, Nicole settled into her room. She ordered a Pellegrino with a slice of lemon from the bar, and drew a hot bubble bath. It had been a long week, with an outcome she’d never expected. She took a sip of her sparkling water and sunk down into the bubbles, only Andrew on her mind.

  How could she have been so stupid? How do you love someone and not even know it? Andrew would be so disappointed in her. That thought in itself made her want to cry. It was amazing to her how the coin just flipped: How she was one person one moment, and the next, this new one that had been forming for months, bubbling just under the surface, waiting to pop. Not the best time for these realizations, but at least she got there. That was the only thing that made her feel remotely better.

  Nicole’s chain of thoughts continued. Why couldn’t the new her reveal herself before she did all those foolish things? Or, did she have to go through all that to bring the real her about? All this deep thinking was exhausting. What she knew was, if Andrew ever found out, he would never forgive her. Right then and there, she vowed to herself she would never let him know. She could never take that chance, never hurt him like that.

  Nicole shook her head and sunk further into the bubbles, feeling like a completely different person than she was just 24 hours ago. She fell asleep that night thinking of the many blessings she had at home waiting for her. Again, to her own surprise, Drew was at the top of the list, and she couldn’t wait to get back to him. When she finally closed her eyes, the only thing she could see was Andrew and his beautiful smile.

  The next morning, she called to tell him she’d be home on Sunday to spend the rest of her vacation with him. Beach or not, she missed him too much to stay away.

  “Oh, and Drew? I love you.” Nicole hung up and smiled that beautiful smile of hers. It wasn’t her usual. She was smiling because she felt as good on the inside, as she looked on the out.

  Chapter Four

  It was Sunday when Nicole arrived back home. She stepped into the elevator and turned her key to access the top floor. Andrew had excellent taste, and the penthouse had an amazing view. When she stepped out into the middle of it she was overwhelmed with the beauty of it all. It was almost as if she was seeing everything for the first time.

  She stared out past the baby grand to the Philadelphia skyscape and took it all in. It was sunset, and the reflection of the sun in the glass building across the way cast an orange glow. Beautiful. Nicole closed her eyes and took a deep breath. For the first time, ever, she was glad to be here.

  She knew Andrew was at work, working all weekend trying to close his deal, and although she was exhausted from the trip home, she had a lot of work to do before he returned. She ordered a feast for two from their favorite restaurant down the street, and then ran back out to the stores before they all closed. Then, she came back to the penthouse to set up her surprise, took a shower, and waited.

  When Andrew came home from work, his apartment was lit by candlelight. Hundreds of ivory candles, of all widths and heights, sat on the tables, over the hearth, the mantle, the floor, creating a warm, welcoming glow. In front of the floor length window sat a candelabra, atop the baby grand, and next to it a small table for two. On it, dinner for both. A symphony played softly in the background, every now and then the fire in the fireplace crackling a warm hello. Next to the hearth sat an ice bucket, holding a newly opened bottle of champagne. Two champagne flutes stood nearby.

  Nicole came up and wrapped her arms around him from behind. He turned to find her in a creamy white silk robe. From the way it fell over her body, hugging the curve of her hips, he could tell there was nothing underneath. In the light of the candles and the fireplace, she was stunning. He slipped his arms into her robe and pulled her close. Nicole did not resist.

  They spent the night drinking champagne and making love by firelight. In a little Heaven all their own. When Nicole woke up the next morning at Andrew’s side, she knew there was no where on Earth she’d rather be. It could never get any better than this.

  *****************

  Seven and a half months later, Nicole was on Andrew’s arm, greeting the hundreds of guests at their wedding. She wore her perfect smile on her perfect face. All was right with the world, with her world, and being Drew’s wife was all she would ever need. Finally, she knew it.

  She turned her back for one moment to fix the slip of the flower girl’s dress and heard Andrew warmly greeting someone behind her.

  “Nicole, I want you to meet someone I grew up with. At least I grew up,” he added with a laugh. Andrew continued... “It’s been a long time, my friend. It was so good of you to come all this way.”

  “Just a minute, honey.” There. The flower girl looked flawless once again. All was right with the world. With a smile, Nicole turned around to greet her new husband’s dear old friend, and her jaw dropped as she pulled back her hand.

  “Nicole, darling, I’d like you to meet Craig.”

  Craig took a startled step back. Then, his eyes burned into hers as he said--

  “We’ve met.”

  About the Author

  If you liked this book, go to my website and see my others

  www.laurenduvall.com

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  I live in New England with my four kids (perfect ones, I may add ;) , our dog, Otis,

  and Chloe, the maniacal cat. I am a writer and a full-time mom, and love spending time with my children. They don’t stay young forever, you know, and we have a boatload of fun. When we’re not off to a soccer game, baseball practice, or camp. I write short novellas and romance stories. I love to write, and I hope you enjoy my work.

  If you enjoyed this book, like it, leave a review and share it with your friends! Thanks!

  Best,

  Lauren

  Other books you may like:

  Angela’s Redemption -- a contemporary romance by Lauren Duvall

  Part Two: Angela’s Redemption: Coming Soon

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  You can connect with Lauren at www.laurenduvall.com