Dirty Addiction (Dirty 2)

I do.

His eyes narrow as he studies my face. He quickly puts the washcloth into the water, wrings it out, and then places it against my cheek. I wince and pull away from the cool water. He places his hand under my chin and gently turns it back toward him as he cautiously places the washcloth on my face.

I close my eyes at the initial sting and then open them as the cool cloth starts to calm my burn.

Carter intensely stares at me while he holds the washcloth to my face and then slowly pulls it away. I remove my hands from the water and shake them off.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to hurt you.”

I shake my head. “I’m fine. No damage done.”

He tucks a strand of hair behind my ear.

I swallow hard, trying to push any feelings that are creeping up, the more he takes care of me.

“I’m fine,” I say for the millionth time, trying to convince myself more than him. “It barely hurt. My skin is just sensitive.”

I turn away from him before he does anything else to

make my heart flutter. It’s just an act. He doesn’t really care if he hurt me. He never has before.

“Here’s some ointment to put on your burns, Victoria,” Lily says, handing me a tube.

“Thank you. Let’s get started with the meeting though,” I say, taking it from her.

Lily and Carter both look at me, still concerned. Lily rubs her ear while she exchanges glances with Carter like she is secretly passing a message to him that I don’t get to know.

I sigh. “I’m fine. I promise.”

I glance down at my phone to check the time. “I was hoping to share with you my thoughts on the plans first, but I suspect that our savior himself is here.”

Lily looks at me with wide eyes, and Carter just stares.

I get up and run out into the hall. I sigh with relief when I see him waiting for me.

“You came.”

Phillip, Lily’s ex-fiancé, nods. “You were very persistent that I get here. Are you okay?”

I bite my lip to keep from screaming. “Yes. Just a hot mess, as usual. Come on, let’s go inside, and I can share the plans with everyone.”

I grab his arm because I’m afraid he is going to run, and I lead him into the meeting room.

“Oh my God! Phillip, what are you doing here?” Lily says as she runs over and throws her arms around his neck.

To my surprise, Phillip hugs her back. I stand to the side, smiling, as I clasp my hands together and watch their reunion. I wasn’t sure that my crazy plan was going to work, but seeing how happy they are to see each other reassures me.

A knot in my stomach forms when I look over at Carter, though, who is unfazed by the interaction. I thought he would be concerned that I just won Lily over. But he doesn’t seem concerned; in fact, he seems amused.

“I came to help you. Victoria convinced me that you needed my help, so here I am,” Phillip says.

Lily has tears in her eyes, which makes me tear up a little as I see them reunite. Phillip has no reason to forgive Lily or to help her in any way. They were engaged when she cheated on him. But, despite all the pain she caused him, he still loves her. I know it. And this proves it.

Phillip links his fingers with Lily’s, and I about lose it. Such a simple gesture, but it’s beautiful to observe the two of them together.

“I’m so sorry,” Lily whispers.

As much as I want to stay and continue to grow envious as they reclaim their love for each other, I know I shouldn’t. I motion with my head for Carter to follow me out and give them some privacy, and to my surprise, he does without protest.